Every human has something that brings them a sense of fulfillment; knowing what makes you fulfilled is the beginning of a peaceful and purposeful life. One of the privileges I’m always grateful for is having discovered my source of fulfillment early on while growing up.
In the book “The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” by Sir Ken Robinson, he discusses how those who discover their passion early in life tend to excel faster and accomplish more compared to those who find it later. Early discovery allows individuals to spend more time honing their skills and pursuing what truly makes them happy. For instance, Robinson shares the story of Gillian Lynne, a renowned dancer and choreographer, who discovered her love for dance as a child. This early discovery enabled her to achieve greatness in her field and leave a lasting impact on the world of performing arts.
For me, one of the things that make me feel fulfilled is sharing my knowledge in any form possible. No matter how much I equip myself with, it is only when I share with others that I truly feel alive. There’s a unique joy in seeing someone benefit from what I’ve learned and knowing that I’ve made a positive impact on their life.
What about you? What brings you a sense of fulfillment? Is it sports, music, writing, or perhaps something else?
Living a Fulfilled Life: Lessons from Ikigai
For living a fulfilled life, I recommend following these rules from the book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. These principles can guide you towards a more meaningful and joyful existence:
- Stay Active; Don’t Retire: Those who give up the things they love doing and do well often lose their purpose in life. It’s important to keep engaging in activities of value, making progress, and contributing to the world around you, even after your official professional career has ended. Staying active not only keeps your body healthy but also keeps your mind sharp and engaged.
- Take It Slow: Being in a hurry is inversely proportional to quality of life. As the old saying goes, “Walk slowly and you’ll go far.” When we leave urgency behind, life and time take on new meaning. By taking things slow, we allow ourselves to appreciate the small moments and reduce stress, leading to a more balanced and enjoyable life.
- Don’t Fill Your Stomach: Less is more when it comes to eating for a long life. According to the 80 percent rule, we should eat a little less than our hunger demands to stay healthier longer. This practice, known as “hara hachi bu,” helps prevent overeating and promotes better digestion and overall health.
- Surround Yourself with Good Friends: Friends are the best medicine. They are there for confiding worries over a good chat, sharing stories that brighten your day, offering advice, having fun, and dreaming together. In other words, friends are essential for living well. Strong social connections have been shown to improve mental health, increase longevity, and provide a support system during tough times.
- Smile: A cheerful attitude is not only relaxing but also helps make friends. While it’s important to recognize the things that aren’t so great, we should never forget what a privilege it is to be alive in a world full of possibilities. Smiling can reduce stress, elevate your mood, and make you more approachable, fostering better relationships and opportunities.
- Reconnect with Nature: Though most people live in cities these days, human beings are made to be part of the natural world. We should return to it often to recharge our batteries. Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or a day at the beach, nature can provide a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
- Give Thanks: Be grateful to your ancestors, to nature for providing the air you breathe and the food you eat, to your friends and family, and to everything that brightens your days. Spend a moment every day giving thanks, and you’ll see your happiness grow. Practicing gratitude can increase positive emotions, improve health, and build stronger relationships.
- Live in the Moment: Stop regretting the past and fearing the future. Today is all you have. Make the most of it and make it worth remembering. Mindfulness, or living in the present moment, can enhance your overall well-being, reduce stress, and increase life satisfaction. By focusing on the now, you can fully engage with your current experiences and make more meaningful memories.
- Follow Your Ikigai: There is a passion inside you, a unique talent that gives meaning to your days and drives you to share the best of yourself. If you don’t know what your ikigai is yet, your mission is to discover it, and I’m here to help you with it. Your ikigai is your reason for being, the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Finding and following your ikigai can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
By identifying what brings you fulfillment and living by these principles, you can navigate life with a sense of purpose and joy.
What makes you feel fulfilled? How do you ensure you stay connected to your passions? Share your thoughts and let’s support each other on this journey towards a more fulfilling life.
….to your productivity growth