Speaking of process, I want to talk to you about the difference between fulfillment and happiness in life, and how the process of achieving those two goals is what really matters.
Fulfillment is defined as "the state or quality of being fulfilled or realized". It doesn't necessarily express what type of emotions one is feeling nor the duration required to achieve that state. Is it good? bad? one week? ten years?
Happiness is defined as a state of being "delighted, pleased, or glad". It expresses emotions that - to our apparent observations - are good and pleasing.
Many times in life, we confuse being happy with being fulfilled. People - all throughout the history of life - have sought out Happiness as if it was a thing to be gained. And how did they seek out this happiness? Through stuff, a bunch of stuff. People seek to feel happiness through education, money, family, friends, power, and many other stuff. But at the end, they always end up seeking more. There apparently isn't enough stuff in this world. What we must actually seek is not happiness, but fulfillment.
Do you remember how it felt like when you completed that "hell" project in class and you felt good about your results? Do you remember what it felt like when you gave birth to your first baby? Do you remember when you practiced hours and hours and hours, until your fingers hurt, so you can play your banjo to perfection? Do you remember what it felt like when you finally got that promotion at work after countless years and dedication in your company?
Fulfillment is something that is attained through time and effort (our most dearest friends...:) Happiness is what you feel along that long and tedious path towards your goals.
Fulfillment is the feeling of hard work and dedication, leading you up to your destination. Happiness is enjoying those moments during the journey that help you create memories.
Fulfillment is knowing that you have giving your service to something in life greater than yourself (because you love and enjoy working with the people around you). Happiness comes from the openness and vulnerability that leads to creating memories and moments in time with family, friends, and - many times - total strangers.
Do not go through life seeking to feel happy. Go through life seeking to be fulfilled in your work.
Go through life seeking to make relationships that are healthy and good. Go through life seeking to learn and expand. Go through life seeking to step outside of your comfort zone.
By going to through life seeking to be good, to be useful, and to be grateful - in whatever job, career, or position in life - you will be seeking to be fulfilled. Happiness comes all by itself, when you are mindful of the present moment and are connecting with the people around you.
Before I let you go, I have a video down below of this great speaker, Simon Sinek. I have listened to many of his talks, and I love his message. I know the video is long, but once I started listening, the time went by so fast, I did not realize it was done until it was! I hope you enjoy listening to his insights and feel free to comment on anything you are intrigued about or don't agree with him!
Have a great and fabulous week! Be on the look out for next week's topic: Leadership. How can a leader empower his followers through the idea of fulfillment and happiness?
Be strong, be unique, and step outside of your comfort zone!