At some point, we’ve all wondered, “Is this it?” Do we just study, work, pay bills, and try to squeeze in enough time for sleep and fun? Surely there must be more to life! I suppose that's why I was asked today "How do we live a fulfilling life and not just a full life"?
It really got me thinking and in an article written by Holly Harris I found some insights in an attempt to answer this profound question.
1. LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
Be mindful. Slow down and focus on what’s going on around you! You can’t be happy if you’re distracted or worried about something else.
2. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.
Figure out who you are and always stay true to yourself. Being someone you’re not or trying to live up to others’ expectations is a surefire way to drain your energy and your joy.
3. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS.
If you have a dream, go for it. Even if you don’t succeed at least try! Putting your dream on a shelf while you just get by in life will leave you feeling empty and sad.
4. WORK HARD.
Give it your all. Anything that is worthwhile in life takes commitment and hard work, no shortcuts!
5. TAKE RISKS.
Playing it safe won’t lead to anything fulfilling. It can lead to comfort and security, but most people aren’t content with just being safe. Strive for self-actualization instead, and happiness will come to you.
6. MAKE TIME TO REFLECT.
If you’re feeling restless, frustrated, bored, or unsatisfied with your life, it’s important to take some time to reflect on why. What’s the root cause of your feelings and what actions can you take to change that?
7. ONLY COMPETE WITH YOURSELF.
Competing against other people is exhausting and will always leave you feeling unsatisfied. There’s always going to be someone else who’s smarter, stronger, better looking, wealthier, etc.
Value your personal accomplishments instead of aiming to be the greatest in the world. Your accomplishments, no matter how small, do matter and are worth celebrating. Be your best, not the best.
8. CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
Take on a new project, apply for a promotion, or get involved in the community. People need new challenges to continue feeling accomplished.
9. BE GRATEFUL.
Try to be grateful for the things you do have. This can be difficult, but focusing on the positive will increase your happiness and make the process of sorting everything else out easier.
10. VALUE YOUR LOVED ONES.
Spend time with the people you love. At the end of the day, your connections with these people matter more than anything else.
11. LAUGH AT YOURSELF.
Don’t take everything so seriously. Laugh at your failures and your mistakes.
12. REMEMBER THAT NO ONE FEELS FULFILLED IN EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR LIFE.
If you aim for perfection everywhere, you’re just going to feel disappointed.
13. STOP ESCAPING.
Be careful not to spend too much time checking out from your life, or too many days will slip away from you. You don’t want to look back at your life only to see you missed living it.
We have to remind ourselves that life is indeed a journey and not a destination.