By Stephen Scherer, Ph.D.,
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
What makes life feel as though it's worth living? In this series we're going to explore what fulfillment is, why some people feel fulfilled and others don't, and things everyone can do in order to discover a sense of purpose in life.
Feeling lost in life is a fairly common experience. Many people experience this feeling at various points in life, adolescence, early and middle adulthood, after a life change or loss, and in a person's later years. It can manifest as a nagging sense of dissatisfaction, a lack of direction, or wondering if there is more to life. If left unchecked, this feeling can lead to a heavier experience of uncertainty and even depression. While this feeling can be unsettling, it can also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, if you embrace it.
So then what exactly is fulfillment?
This isn't exactly an easy thing to define because it's unique for each person; however, in a general sense it is an experience encompassing both the act of completing something and the emotional state of satisfaction that arises from that completion. It can be applied to external behaviors, such as fulfilling a promise or achieving a goal, or to internal experiences, like realizing one's potential or living a life true to one's values.
In its most basic sense, fulfillment refers to the act of bringing something to fruition. Fulfillment is also an experience of satisfaction and contentment. It is a sense of having achieved something an individual feels is worthwhile or having lived up to one's potential.
This emotional aspect of fulfillment is often linked to the pursuit of personal goals and living within the context of their values. When individuals feel they are using their talents and abilities to their fullest and living a life that aligns with their values, they experience a sense of fulfillment. What happens if a person doesn't know what they are good at or what they enjoy? This may seem like an odd question and unfortunately sometimes people are not given the opportunity to explore what is important to them or what brings them joy. Regardless of where a person stands on this, it's never too late to explore what brings joy to life (although this can be very challenging if one is experiencing depression).
In the rest of this series we are going to take a deeper dive into the steps a person needs to take in order to experience a more fulfilling life using a framework derived from Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Embrace the exploration process (and avoid avoiding it!)
Identify your values and live into them
Dedicate time to the process and prioritize it
Take care of yourself
A person tends to question their value and can be left feeling lost. Inherently each person has value; however, people don't always believe this to be true, often due to a core belief held about themselves. Part of the journey in finding fulfillment is through changing the belief that we don't have value and this takes a consistent effort and often is best supported by a qualified mental health professional.
The path to fulfillment is unique for every individual and can encompass various aspects of life. Work, relationships, creative pursuits, and personal growth can all contribute to a sense of fulfillment. Being open to new experiences and letting go of assumptions or expectations about the things we do are extremely important to the process of finding fulfillment.
As part of this blog series I want to challenge you to explore what brings you a sense of fulfillment, peace, or joy in life. In our pursuit of a fulfilling life, we often overlook the simple joys that reconnect us with ourselves and the world around us. This blog post discussed the importance of finding purpose and meaning and sometimes the greatest fulfillment comes from slowing down and appreciating the present moment. To truly experience this, I invite you to join me virtually through my, "Mindful Journeys." This series showcases silent hikes through stunning locations tucked away in nearby locations. Allowing you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, offering a chance to practice mindfulness and find a sense of peace within the beauty of the outdoors.
*Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.
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