There are a lot of ways to measure success in life. In America, we often count ourselves successful if we make a certain amount of money, climb the corporate ladder to obtain a certain title, and own the right things so we can present a certain image. However, many times when people get to the end of this golden-brick road, they often find themselves empty and incomplete. They wish they would have spent their time in more meaningful ways.
I am trying to learn from the mistakes of others in this area. I intensely pursue success financially and professionally. However, I also seek significance in my life. Today, I thought I’d share seven ways I strive to make my life more fulfilling.
- Living Intentionally. I make a plan for how I want to invest my life. If I don’t have a chosen destination with a mapped out route to follow, then I get lost. This is really the foundation I use to make sure I prioritize those things that truly add meaning to my life.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” ~Stephen R. Covey
- Creating Balance. I have to work diligently to create balance between work and home. This is not always easy. It often seems that these two areas of my life are diametrically opposed. However, I believe it is possible to be successful in both places. It just takes effort. We have all seen those that are workaholics and in the process sacrifice their families. The result is usually disastrous. I believe that my wife and children need me in order for them to achieve their greatest potential in life and just as importantly, I need them. I can only achieve my greatest successes with their love and support.
- Being Grateful. According to U.S. Census data in 2006, the median income in this country was over $48,000 per year. Worldwide this figure is less than $8,000! I am rich! In addition, I have a lot of other things to be grateful for in the United States. I have safety, security and more than enough food to eat. It is easy to watch the evening news and get depressed with talks of recession, war, and crime. It is also easy to start envying what other people have that I don’t. However, this just steals my joy. I try to focus on what I do have and exercise my gratefulness.
- Spending Quality Time. I try to spend quality time with my wife and friends. I am getting ready to go away on vacation with my wife for a week. We are leaving the kids with family and just the two of us are getting away together. We try to do this once a year. I have found that this does wonders for our marriage. It also does wonders for me!
- Giving Time to Children. I get a kick out of spending time with my children. They see things that I don’t. They are full of joy and wonder towards the world. When I spend time with them, some of their enthusiasm and creativity rubs off on me. I believe that there is no better way for me to invest my time. They need me and I need them. When I want a good laugh, I don’t search for a sitcom, I go find my children because they can always deliver in this area.
- Treating Others Like I Want to be Treated. I try to live by the Golden Rule. It is a simple moral compass. It works in every area of my life. I have found that if you treat everyone with courtesy and respect, you will go farther and be happier in life.
- Exercising My Faith. My faith is an essential piece of who I am. Attending weekly services is a vital part of keeping myself grounded. It is a positive input into my life and reminds me to do all of the things I have listed above.
These seven things make my life more fulfilling. I count them as the priorities in my life. They enrich my heart and refresh me. They are the well I draw upon for the motivation and drive I need to succeed in the rest of my life. What do you do to create meaning and fulfillment in your life? Leave me a comment and let me know.
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Isn’t it odd that none of these costs money? Yet people tend to use shopping and things to fill the void in their lives.
Fantastic post! I spent the weekend with my son, just the two of us. We didn’t even leave the house the entire weekend – made meals from home, played together in our backyard, and even dragged out some paint and painted a masterpiece or two. I felt more energized and recharged Monday morning than I have in weeks!
@Ron – I agree. The best things in life are still free!
@Frugal Dad – It is amazing what spending time with my children does for my energy as well.
Thanks for the comments!
I liked the points in the article Jeff. I have one question though: How can a partner compel he other half to spend more time with the kids, say something like even a straight one month without travelling or getting chained to a computer?
I also think that it is a good thing to treat others the way we want to be treated. That thought always helps us fight narcissism over time and then we come to the point where we are able to confidently give more than 50% of the things we treasure most. Talk about our time, our money, our love, forgiveness and more.
Happy blogging and keep on spending more time with the young ones.
Philos´s last [type] ..5 things that will compel you to be an extra-ordinary performer
Philos, I don’t think we can force anyone to do anything, at least not in the positive sense. However, you can sit down with your loved one and gently ask them for what you want. You can tell them how much you and the kids would enjoy having them around. You can entice them away from the computer with fun and enjoyable family activities designed toward their interests. You’ve really got to also seek to understand why your loved one spends time doing other things. What is it that draws or pushes them away? Don’t assume the worst about them, give them the benefit of the doubt and try to put yourself in their shoes. If you do these things, you’ll likely be able to make great strides toward what you most desire. Thanks!