Issue 59: Finding Fulfilment
THE LEAP
BY QUANTUM ORANGE
GROW, EXPAND & EVOLVE
ISSUE 59 | FINDING FULFILMENT
Each week The (Quantum) Leap summarises a key aspect of success into what you need to Think, Feel and Do to create a personal shift.
A life of fulfilment is one in which we put urgency in its place and remember that the ultimate target is to spend our lives doing the things we believe are most important to us.
~ Tony Robbins
THINK
What’s the difference between happiness and fulfilment?
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are quite different to experience.
Happiness is a temporary state that shifts easily, where fulfilment tends to be a lasting feeling. Happiness frequently occurs without fulfilment following, but you’re much more likely to feel happiness when you’re fulfilled.
Why does fulfilment make such a difference?
Because it is much more closely connected with our truest self and when we are close to that, a sense of peace and self-assuredness usually follows.
Many people achieve important goals they’ve been focused on for a long time and find themselves thinking, “Is this it?” Instead of the expected excitement and fulfilment, there is indifference.
Reflect on a time in your life when you felt unhappy after achieving a goal. Ask yourself:
- Why wasn’t the achievement enough?
- What was missing?
- Do you think you knew how to feel fulfilled?
- What are your beliefs now about success and fulfilment?
Learning how to feel fulfilled is not just an added benefit for our achievements - it’s vital to feeling grounded in life. Real fulfilment doesn’t come from material possessions, wealth or success alone.
Harvard professor Todd Rose suggests we need to transform our understanding of how to feel fulfilled. He says, “…rather than expecting success to provide contentment, we must turn our attention to fulfilment itself.” He goes on to add that self-awareness is key, since we need to know ourselves well in order to successfully make choices that will maximise fulfilment.
It’s important to note that we do not need to choose between success and fulfilment - they are complimentary pursuits.
FEEL
Experiencing a lack of fulfilment is almost always the result of a poor understanding of what motivates you.
Put the time in - get to know yourself.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can develop a detailed picture of what drives you.
- What do you feel motivated about?
- What do you enjoy doing?
- Why do you enjoy doing it?
- What makes you feel fulfilled?
- The last time you felt an intense sense of fulfilment at the culmination of a project or goal - what was the achievement?
DO
Studies in positive psychology have consistently indicated the following are the crucial ingredients that create a profound sense of fulfilment:
- Positive emotions
- Engagement in meaningful activities
- Positive relationships
- A sense of accomplishment, a purpose driven life
Here are five things you can do to action those concepts in your life:
- Cultivate positive relationships with a focus on open communication, empathy and mutual support.
- Set and pursue meaningful goals (that self-awareness mentioned above will be key here) that align with your values and purpose.
- Celebrate your achievements by setting aside time to reflect on and celebrate your successes. This will create a positive feedback loop that propels you towards continued growth and fulfilment.
- Practise gratitude to create a mindset that enhances fulfilment and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Find meaning my being introspective, aligning your actions with your values and embracing a sense of responsibility for your choices.
