"Finding Fulfillment" by Lauren W

     What makes a fulfilling life? What is it exactly that we are trying to fulfill? The dictionary defines fulfillment with two definitions, meeting a requirement or condition, and achieving something that is desired or promised. It seems incomprehensible that one can define having a fufilling life when they are just functioning to perform in a satisfactory manner to do what is just sufficient. Life is more meaningful when our goal is fulfillment, meaning we yearn for achievement and pursue what we desire.
     We all have different definitions of success, but who or what do we let define whether or not we are fulfilled? Social comparisons hinders us from focusing on what our own core values, morals, and merits are. We are fed the idea that a life of comfort and luxury deems instant satisfaction, but when you take away the physical items what do you have left? The state of fulfilment cannot be estimated by tangible items, but is an ongoing process of trials and tribulations to discover our true purpose. Rod Stryker stated, “Your long term happiness and fulfilment depend on your ability to fulfill your souls unique purpose and to fill the place in the world that only you can fill making the contribution that only you can make.”
     Sometimes we need to take a step back and ask ourselves what exactly is it that we are trying to fulfill? We all have goals, but this leads us to question why people make choices that leave them unfulfilled. Often times we are forced to do what is necessary to make ends meet and set aside our true passion. This causes sacrifices to our own benefit and detriment. For example, this can be seen with a lack of job or career satisfaction creating a cycle of complacency for years. In some instances, a job or career can provide you with the ideal financial situation, but not the ideal situation to fuel your personal fulfillment. One might be perceived as successful but as Tony Robbins said, “Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.'' With ignoring our

dreams and passions it’s easy for any of us to fall into a pattern of being uncontent. Fulfillment can be achieved when we remove our preconceived limitations on what we believe we can accomplish.
     When do we know we are fulfilled? There is no direct measure of fulfillment, therefore one can only evaluate whether they have reached what they long to attain. Fulfillment is not temporary and it doesn’t come instantly. Immediate gratification is not the solution to finding overall fulfillment. The incorporation of our past choices, our current decisions and our future ambitions accumulate our gratification. Fulfillment is not being content with only what you have done, but being elated with what you will continue to do. With fulfillment we will know our direction. With fulfillment we will not live with emptiness. With fulfillment we will not live with regret. Every action and decision made will depict how we lived a life of purpose to possess fulfillment. 


Source:
Seagraves, Kyle. “Personal Fulfillment: How Do You Find It?” Uncover Your Purpose, 7 Dec. 2018, ​www.uncoveryourpurpose.com/personal-fulfillment-how-do-you-find-it/​.