In both philosophy and psychology, self-fulfillment is the realization of one’s deepest desires and capacities. In fact, according to psychologist Abraham Maslow, all people must meet their own personal needs before being able to meet other needs. Therefore, living a fulfilling life not only brings happiness, but it can also result in better relationships. See if you can incorporate some of these ideas into your life.
1. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Being happy is largely a result of a positive state of mind or not. As a result, maintaining a sense of positivity is impacted by the company one keeps. Choose to surround yourself with uplifting people who offer up empathy and compassion and can support your happiness and well-being. Positive energy raises human vibration and causes momentum in manifesting things that fulfill your life.
2. Take Charge
When you leave the job of personal fulfillment in the hands of other people you are living in a passive manner. By expecting either others or the world to bestow a sense of happiness and contentment on you will not achieve the end result you want. Taking charge puts the responsibility on you and when you seize the day and go after your inner wishes and desires, it is more certain to materialize.
3. Trust Your Gut
According to the Chopra Center, a gut instinct, is that hunch that encourages you to go in a certain direction. Trusting your gut is especially important when it comes to major life decisions such as making a career change, getting married, starting a family or going back to school. Cultivating your natural instincts will enable you to find the right answers that will make you happy.
4. Love Your Pet
Studies continue to show companion animals of all kinds, dogs, cats, rabbits, and even hamsters, enrich our lives. According to Dr. Weil, pet owners have less illness, recover faster from serious health conditions, and tend to be more content than people who do not own pets. In fact, most humans view their companion animals are integral members of the family and care for them as they would a child. This includes taking the time to find the right pet supplement manufacturer for the perfect pet vitamins and most nutritious food. Tending to pets fulfills a basic need to nurture and brings a sense of well-being.
5. See the World
Visiting new countries and interacting with diverse cultures stimulates the sense of adventure in all humans. Not only does it broaden horizons and offer an opportunity to meet new people, but travel provides a chance to live in the present. Additionally, according to Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D. vacations enhance your happiness by allowing you to gain perspective on problems, relax with family and friends, and get a break from usual routines.
6. Create a Loving Relationship
While no one can fulfill you better than yourself, studies show that having health and money are not enough for lifelong happiness in the absence of love. No matter which stage of life you are at, embracing an intimate relationship can be tremendously gratifying.
7. Treat Yourself to Nice Things
An important element of self-fulfillment is to enjoy the pleasure that certain material items can bring. Treating yourself to nice things and enjoying them is not being materialistic, it is living as a worthy human being. Whether it is nice clothing or a piece of diamond jewelry or a luxury car, creating a comfortable world around you can produce joyfulness. Amazingly, you may find that perfect ring in discovering that lab created diamond engagement rings are a fraction of the cost of mined diamonds!
8. Be Present
Living in the present is what the great masters have preached for thousands of years. However, according to a Harvard University study, almost half of our waking hours are spent NOT living in the moment. As more research is done, scientists and psychologists are finding that such an approach to life makes humans happier, calmer, more relaxed, and appreciative.
9. Practice Gratitude
Thoughts are important, so do your best to focus on the positives in your life. This means acknowledging the things that are going right and appreciating the situations and people around you for which you are grateful. Not only will you produce a greater sense of fulfillment, but you will attract even more good fortune.
10. Listen to Your Heart
Getting too heady and contemplating the pros and cons over and over is a sign that it’s time to listen to your heart about what feels most fulfilling. For example, wanting to propose to the love of your life but stopping short because you are worried that you cannot afford the perfect diamond ring can stand in the way of your joy. When you are in line with your heart’s desire, solutions present themselves that enable you to move forward towards actualizing your dreams.