How to Live a Fulfilling Life

Last Updated: December 11, 2022 References

How awesome would it be to hop out of bed each morning feeling purposeful and happy about your day? What about going to sleep each night with a grin of peaceful satisfaction on your lips? This may seem impossible, but leading a more fulfilling life is entirely possible. First, you need to figure out why you're not happy with your life thus far. Then, improve your daily habits so you can get a little closer to achieving your goals and improving yourself in ways that make the most sense to you. Don't forget: it’s hard to have a fulfilling life without good physical, mental, emotional and social health, so pick up some positive lifestyle habits that support your health and well-being, too.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Addressing Your Dissatisfaction

1
Pinpoint the problem. To lead a more fulfilling life, you first need to know what part of your current life is troubling or unsatisfactory. Reflect on different aspects of your life to figure out which are frustrating you the most.
- Try closing your eyes and questioning "What part of my life dissatisfies me the most?" Whatever comes to mind first is probably where you'll want to start.
- For instance, your mind may have immediately focused on your job or relationship or friendships. If that's what popped up, it's probably what's troubling you most.
2
Make an action plan with SMART goals. Concentrate on the most immediate area where you'd like to change and create action-based goals for improving. Use SMART goals—that is, goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.^{[1]
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- For instance, if your job is unsatisfactory, you might decide whether you want to quit, go back to school to change careers, or find creative ways to make your current job more fulfilling.
- If you choose to change careers, you might need to set several goals, like securing financial assistance and gaining admission in a desired program.
- Break each of your goals down so you can tackle them step-by-step. Also, set a reasonable deadline for completing the goal.
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3
Track your progress regularly. As move along towards your goals, be sure to reflect on your progress. Checking out how far you've come boosts motivation to keep going. It also helps you determine whether you are now satisfied with one area and can move over to work on another area.^{[2]
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- You can track progress by putting the steps of your goals on a whiteboard or sheet of paper and checking off each step as you go.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Building Good Habits

1
Challenge yourself daily. One of the best ways to build good habits that support a fulfilling life is by doing something each day that challenges you. Identify one thing you can take action on that pushes you beyond your comfort zone and do it.^{[3]
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- At the start of each day, ask yourself, “What can I do today to challenge myself?” The answer will vary. For example, some days, this might be leaving the house to connect with others. On other days, this might be sharing ideas with your boss when you typically stay quiet.
- End each day by reflecting on your daily challenge. Try writing your thoughts in a journal, and be sure to note any accomplishments you made during the day.
2
Replace your bad habits with good ones. Look for the areas in your life with the least growth or the most stagnancy to tease out unhealthy habits. Then, replace them with better, healthier ones.^{[4]
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- For example, if you've been trying to lose weight, but you spend a lot of time on the couch, reduce your TV time or do an exercise while you watch.
- Try replacing one bad habit at a time in order to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed.
3
Motivate yourself daily. A fulfilling life is a charged and excited life, so seek out inspiration on a daily basis. Revisit your goals, make a vision board, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, or recite empowering quotes each day.^{[5]
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- Even if you're not so happy with where you are right now, seeking out daily motivation can help you stay powered up to change your situation and reach your goals.
4
Hold yourself accountable. Reach out to your social circle for help sticking with your goals and building better habits. Make a Facebook post to your larger network, verbalize your plans in front of family or friends, work with a buddy, or create a rewards system to stay accountable.^{[6]
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- For example, if you're heading back to school you might make a post that says, "I'm finally going to go back to grad school. I'd appreciate your support and encouragement on my journey!"

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Living Your Values

1
Identify what's most important to you. Figure out your values. These are the guiding principles and beliefs that drive you forward in life, such as being honest or family-oriented. If you find it hard to pinpoint your values, ask yourself a few questions:^{[7]
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- "What traits do I appreciate most about myself? What traits do I appreciate about others?”
- "What accomplishments am I most proud of? Are there any common threads or themes in these accomplishments?”
- "What would I like to change about my community, region, or nation?”
- "What would I save from my burning home if all living beings were safely removed?”
- It may help to write out your values (e.g., in a journal) or map them out in collage form.
2
Figure out your non-negotiables and stand behind them. The key to a fulfilling life is living according to your values, but this also means steering clear of people, practices, or situations that compromise your values. Spend some time thinking about where you draw the line, the things you will not negotiate on.^{[8]
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- For instance, if you value honesty, a non-negotiable of yours might be to avoid relationships with people who are consistently dishonest or deceptive.
- List out your non-negotiables and keep them handy so that you can ensure these lines aren't crossed.
3
Find work that helps you make an impact. Enjoy a fulfilling life by doing work that aligns with your values. Be sure that you are able to share your gifts in a meaningful way—whether through a day-job, an after-hours hustle, a hobby, or volunteerism.^{[9]
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- For some people, meaningful work might be starting a business or career that serves others. For other people, meaningful work might involve sharing their passions with others outside of a day-job by making art or demonstrating their talents.
- Not everyone can make their day-job feel meaningful—that's okay! Just be sure you showcase your talents in some way in your daily or weekly activities.
4
Gather a tribe of like-minded people to help you stay positive. Take a good look at your social relationships and question whether they are nourishing and positive. If not, add and subtract as needed. Don't feel guilty about it, either. You must remove dead weight and toxic relationships to truly thrive and make room for healthy connections.^{[10]
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- If your social circle needs a major overhaul, don't sweat it. Make small changes to connect with new people, like asking an interesting coworker to lunch or joining a new club or Meetup.
5
Volunteer or help out those in need. A well-rounded, fulfilling life includes charitable service, so find ways to give back to the people around you. This can be as simple as graciously helping out a neighbor or friend in need or volunteering a few hours each week.^{[11]
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- You will feel most fulfilled if you give back in ways that promote your values, so donate your time and money to causes and organizations you believe in.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Having Good Health and Well-Being

1
Set aside “me” time. You'll have trouble feeling fulfilled if your energy goes in only one direction—out. Just as you pour love and support into others, you must return that love and support to yourself. Take time to nurture your own self with passions, self-care, or goal-oriented activities.^{[12]
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- Carve out an hour each day to do something just for you. Use this time constructively, such as for writing in a journal, taking a contemplative walk in nature, or reading a personal development book.
2
Build 30 minutes of physical activity into your day. Fulfillment translates to optimal mental and physical health, so make time to exercise regularly. Schedule it into your day. That way, it will be just like any other task on your to-do list.^{[13]
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- Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Do activities you enjoy, like swimming, dancing, or cycling.
3
Eat nutritious foods that give you energy. Unhealthy foods can compromise your health and wellness, zapping your energy and mental clarity. Fuel your body with real, whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, whole grains, and nuts and seeds.^{[14]
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- Avoid nutrient-deficient foods that are sugary, processed, and high in calories.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, which may compromise your mental and physical functioning.
4
Manage stress in healthy ways. Know how to spot signs of mounting stress, such as trouble sleeping, trouble focusing, or unexplained aches and pains. Then, take measures to ease the stress in your life.^{[15]
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- Keep stress at bay by not over-committing to nonessential responsibilities or overloading your schedule, staying away from negative or draining people, and practicing relaxation techniques.
- A regular self-care routine can keep life stress from getting out of hand.
5
Get in touch with your spirituality. Spirituality is often an important aspect of a fulfilling life because it can be a source of sustenance during tough times, helping you stay resilient. Connect with that deeper, spiritual part of yourself to feel more connected to the universe and more capable of handling life's stressors.^{[16]
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- Regularly perform spiritual rituals, such as meditation, prayer, chanting, yoga, or reflective walks in nature.

Expert Q&A

Question

What should you do when you feel unfulfilled but nothin is really wrong?

Michael Stern
Life Coach
Michael Stern is a life coach and the owner of Integral Alignment, a coaching and training business focused on a holistic approach to optimizing one's health, work, love, play, and spirituality. Michael began his professional training in 2011 as an Integral Spiritual Mentor through One Spirit Learning Alliance, and has been certified as both a hatha yoga instructor and an Emotional Intelligence Coach through GolemanEI. In addition to his private 1:1 and groupwork, he has hosted workshops with thought leaders such as Frederic Laloux, Charles Eisenstein, and Thomas Hübl. Michael holds a BA in Spanish Language from Vanderbilt University and lives in Portland, Maine.

Michael Stern

Life Coach

Expert Answer

The best way to motivate and inspire yourself is to have a clear vision for what you want in life. Connect your short term goals with your long term goals, and try to fill in the gaps in between. If you don't have purpose in what you're doing, you aren't going to feel optimistic.