I got curious recently about the ways achievement and fulfilment are traditionally defined, so I looked them up in a few sources. The results were interesting and, for contrast, I chose to share Collins dictionary’s definitions here:
“An achievement is something which someone has succeeded in doing, especially after a lot of effort.”
“Fulfilment is a feeling of satisfaction that you get from doing or achieving something, especially something useful.”
I generally don’t believe these two words are mutually exclusive, but they can be. After the calendar year we’ve had, I know many of us are re-evaluating if the efforts and sacrifices we put into our current careers are worth it.
In my house, we do a pared-down, non-historically attached, re-framed Day of Gratitude (a.k.a. Thanksgiving) where we usually celebrate our achievements for the past year, as well as the blessings we have received, such as the opportunity for travel to faraway places and any other happy surprises.
This year, it was all summed up into three words: Health. Food. Friends.
When we are suddenly and dramatically reminded of what truly matters most, and we begin to re-assess how we spend our days, working for achievement without fulfilment begs for a re-assessment as well.
The long commutes, the office politics, the overscheduled calendar, the long working hours. The time away from seeing your kids grow up or from activities you are truly passionate about. Or both.
Many of us grew up in an environment where sacrifice is rewarded. The more difficult the task the more admirable the work. However, do your sacrifices and efforts result in something that is meaningful to you? Whose dreams and goals are you sacrificing for? The answer can mean the difference between reacting to life and actively creating positive life experiences for yourself and others, between enduring and feeling highly motivated, between existing and living.
An article I found in the Huffington Post* describes fulfilment as “a feeling of completeness, of achieving what you dreamed of and a true sense of purpose”. You may be clear on your purpose or not, but the quickest way to start heading in the direction of your purpose, is to follow your joy, to follow that feeling of true happiness, that lightness around your heart, your bliss. Take cues from it. It will tell you where to go.
Following your joy is quite a radical concept when it relates to work, but building a career with purpose makes all the effort feel worth it. It can be done slowly, step-by-step. Once you do, you will not just be achieving, you will also feel fulfilled.
Need more clarity on how to find purpose and fulfilment in 2021? I will love to speak with you. Book a complimentary call with me here. You will leave the call with an action point to get you started on creating a fulfilling life - today.
Sources:
Definition of 'achievement' (2020, 30 November) Retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/achievement
Definition of 'fulfilment' (2020, 30 November) Retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/fulfilment
* Huffington Post article: What Does Fulfillment Mean To You? (2020, 30 November) Retrieved from https://bit.ly/37nmMdX
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