New research shows that the path to a fulfilling life is often hidden in plain view.
By Mark Travers, Ph.D. |March 9, 2022
A new article published in Frontiers in Psychology attempts to quantify the factors that lead to a fulfilling life, such as the ability to pursue one's own goals, taking advantage of opportunities, and having the courage to do what one feels is most important in life. According to the researchers, people derive fulfillment from many things, but three factors rise to the top. They call these factors: "unfolded self and life," "worthwhile life," and "positive impact and legacy."
"Unfolded self and life, worthwhile life, and positive impact and legacy are unique features of fulfillment and distinguish it from other concepts such as happiness," say Doris Baumann and Willibald Ruch, psychologists at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and lead authors of the research. "It is not achievement per se, but that which feels worthy and remains that way later in life that fulfills a human."
Here's how the researchers define the components of life fulfillment:
- Unfolded self and life refers to the extent one can pursue projects that personally matter, be their unique self, and lead a true life.
- Worthwhile life relates to the perception that one can invest one's own capacities well and can live a meaningful and worthwhile life.
- Positive impact and legacy refers to making a positive difference, leaving something of value, and doing something with one's life that matters to others.
To better understand the composition of life fulfillment, the researchers studied perceptions of life fulfillment in two samples — first among 282 adults, ages 50-93, and second in a sample of 406 adults, ages 40-85. They asked participants how concepts such as making a positive difference, pursuing authentic pursuits, being true to oneself, making a contribution, being honest, and having a calling influenced the degree to which people felt fulfilled in their lives.
The authors found that the three-pronged criteria was the most accurate way to summarize the patterns they observed in the data.
They also found that people who considered the topic of a fulfilled life as important and who spent more time thinking about it assessed their lives as more fulfilled.
Beyond their criteria, the authors also point out that certain character strengths are related to life fulfillment.
"The character strengths of hope, making efforts to attain goals, and zest (e.g., doing things wholeheartedly) are important for a fulfilled life," they say. "Other strengths such as social intelligence, leadership, perspective, and bravery are also relevant."
The authors reported no association between life fulfillment and gender, but they did find life fulfillment to increase slightly with age. Married people and parents also reported higher levels of life fulfillment in their sample, especially on the "worthwhile life" dimension.
Other factors that promoted a fulfilling life were:
- Volunteering
- Spirituality
- Financial stability
- Education
- Positive childhood experiences
The researchers note that leading a fulfilling life is a long-term process and not one that can be achieved in a short amount of time. It also requires a giving spirit.
"The good life is not a self-centered life," they say. "Helping others, passing on one's experiences, or making a difference in one's environment — which can happen on a small scale — provides people the feeling that their lives matter. The beauty of this concept is that one can make a positive difference in another person's life regardless of age or resources."
A full interview with Doris Baumann and Willibald Ruch discussing their research on life fulfillment can be found here: Inspiring wisdom on how to live a fulfilling life
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Travers, Ph.D., is the lead psychologist at Awake Therapy, responsible for new client intake and placement. Mark received his B.A. in psychology, magna cum laude, from Cornell University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder. His academic research has been published in leading psychology journals and has been featured in The New York Times and The New Yorker, among other popular publications. He is a regular contributor for Forbes and Psychology Today, where he writes about psycho-educational topics such as happiness, relationships, personality, and life meaning. An unabashed positive psychologist, you will often hear him preaching the simple but powerful wisdom, "the more you can replace bad thoughts with good thoughts, the happier, healthier, and more successful you will be." Click here to schedule an initial consultation with Mark or another member of the Awake Therapy team today.
FAQs
Feeling fulfilled comes through giving of oneself. People feel their lives matter by giving back, sharing their experiences, or making a difference in their communities. So, it doesn't matter how old or wealthy someone is; you can change your life today to feel fulfilled.
What makes a human being fulfilled? ›
Sense of Purpose and Meaning:
Humans seek a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. This quest for meaning can drive individuals to pursue activities and relationships that align with their values and contribute to a sense of fulfillment.
How do people find things to make them feel fulfilled? ›
Fulfillment comes from something deeper – finding meaning in life, finding appreciation for the fleeting beauty of every moment, being in service of others, loving. But we don't need a partner for those things. We can find meaning by searching within ourselves and in the world around us.
What makes a person happy and fulfilled? ›
Strong relationships: Having deep, meaningful connections with family, friends, and loved ones. These relationships provide support, love, and a sense of belonging. Engagement in fulfilling activities: Participating in activities that align with personal interests, values, and strengths.
What are the three most important things living a fulfilled life? ›
Here's the percentage of Americans who say each element is extremely or very important to living a fulfilling life, according to Pew Research: Having a job or career they enjoy: 71% Having close friends: 61% Having children: 26%
What makes a person fulfilled in life? ›
I would define fulfillment as the feeling of having inner peace and satisfaction with how my life is. For me, being true to myself, spending time with my family, achieving my goals, doing the things I love, and having no grudges with anyone are some of the things that make me feel fulfilled and happy.
What makes you feel the most fulfilled? ›
Feeling fulfilled comes through giving of oneself. People feel their lives matter by giving back, sharing their experiences, or making a difference in their communities. So, it doesn't matter how old or wealthy someone is; you can change your life today to feel fulfilled.
How does someone feel fulfilled? ›
Feeling fulfilled comes from finding what makes you happy, what brings you joy. Tony's approach to the art of fulfillment is to trade expectation for appreciation. Instead of expecting something – falling into the trap of familiarity – appreciate that it's there.
What does it mean to feel personally fulfilled? ›
Personal fulfillment is achievement of life goals which are important to an individual, in contrast to the goals of society, family and other collective obligations. Personal fulfillment is an ongoing journey for a human individual.
What does a person need to be fulfilled? ›
According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, human beings' physiological needs for food, water, clothing, shelter, and sleep must be satisfied in order for them to address more complex needs like mental and physical health, relationships, sobriety, long-term housing, and employment.
The key is to realise that everything you do in the outer world begins in your inner world. When you discover your purpose and what makes you feel most alive, you can make wise choices and changes. Often the only real obstacle in your path to a fulfilling life is your past.
What do people find most fulfilling in life? ›
When asked what it takes to lead a fulfilling life, the public prioritizes job satisfaction and friendship over marriage and parenthood. Some 71% of all adults say having a job or career they enjoy is extremely or very important in order for people to live a fulfilling life.
What are the three keys to a fulfilling life? ›
By never taking gratitude for granted, staying humble in our achievements, and consistently giving to others, we create a fulfilling life of purpose and meaning.
What makes a man fulfilled? ›
Living in alignment with personal values and maintaining a strong moral compass is fundamental for a man's sense of self and fulfillment. Upholding integrity fosters trust, self-respect, and a sense of purpose. A man's environment plays a significant role in his overall well-being.
What creates fulfillment? ›
"Unfolded self and life, worthwhile life, and positive impact and legacy are unique features of fulfillment and distinguish it from other concepts such as happiness," say Doris Baumann and Willibald Ruch, psychologists at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and lead authors of the research.
What is a fulfilled personality? ›
They're those people who are always cheerful and smiling. They're the ones who rarely complain, and everything they touch seems to turn to gold. They're successful yet humble, influential yet compassionate.
