The search for fulfillment in life is a universal human characteristic. Once our basic survival needs are met, we cannot help but to start searching for more in our lives. Some find that fulfillment through their religious beliefs. Others discover it by watching their children grow and learn. While some pour their energy and passion into a hobby or their jobs.
There are as many paths to fulfillment as there are grains of sand on a beach. The key is to recognize that your path will never be the same as someone else. Just because your neighbor, sister, boss, parent, or anyone else found their fulfillment on a certain path; it is not necessarily going to work for you.
The first step to achieving your own personal level of fulfillment is to be open and honest with yourself. Take responsibility for your life and your actions. If you are stuck and need a change, then be the vehicle to make that change happen, not the excuse to keep up the status quo.
Another tip is to think positively about your life and what you can achieve. Be realistic, but not limiting. As Sharon Firth says in her article on fulfillment,
“Positive thinking is the way to inner fulfillment. Pay attention to your thoughts for a little while. You might be amazed at how negative your inner voice really is. It is these thoughts that bring us down and don’t allow us to feel satisfied with our lives.”
If your inner voice is consistently negative, is it any wonder that you do not feel happy or satisfied with your life? By turning that inner voice into a positive influence, a mini cheerleader for yourself; you will start to see all of your interaction improve. Rather than walking around with a scowl, you will smile more and begin to become a joyful influence in the world around you.
Step three to inner fulfillment is to know what you are passionate about and make sure it is in your life in some form or the other. You do not need to make this passion your job, but you should find a way to enjoy it daily. If you love being around kids, then volunteer at the local school. If dance is your passion; then take a community class, go to a show, or simply turn up the music at home and DANCE. The key is to incorporate your passion into your life, so that you always have a joyful outlet.
The fourth step is to keep moving towards your final goal. When you want to throw a party for a loved one, how much time do you spend planning and mapping out a path? You research, you work, and you organize. Imagine what you could do if you spent the same amount of work and time planning out your fulfilled life. Do not take it for granted that one day you will just get there; put in the time and effort needed to actually achieving your vision.
The final step is to always make sure to take care of you, both physically and emotionally. This does not mean that you only take care of yourself. Shawn Shepheard illustrates this best in his article:
“Remember the lesson you’re taught every time you fly. Put an oxygen mask on yourself first. Otherwise you won’t be able to help anyone!”
Help others, but not at the cost of your own health and wellness. By taking care of your needs, as well as the needs of others; you will have more time and energy all around.
The path to inner fulfillment should be unique for each participant. Use these steps as a starting point, and see where your path takes you. Please remember though to be patient and give yourself room to take wrong turns once in a while. A straight line may be the shortest distance, but that does not mean it’s the most fulfilling!
