8 Hacks to Live a More Fulfilling Life
We want wealth, health, and happiness and we pursue them in that order. But the importance is reversed.
Most of us are always chasing things in life — such as material possessions, attention, and money — and never settle for what we have.
Well, that used to be me. I was stuck in the vicious cycle of not settling and reflecting on what I already have.
Back then, I just didn’t feel like I was living my best life.
But, I decided to make a change.
I started experimenting with different ways to improve my daily routine and slowly but surely, I started to see results.
My life became more enjoyable, my relationships improved, and I felt more fulfilled overall.
If you’re looking for ways to make your life more fulfilling, you came to the right place.
I’ve put together 8 hacks I’ve found to be super helpful to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life and I’m confident they’ll help you too (and hopefully change the way you view life).
1. Experiences are worth more than material possessions
Any material possessions you buy now will become obsolete or outdated in 1 or 2 years’ time. For example, goods such as a $1,000 iPhone.
Instead, spend that money on something else that will bring you a lifetime experience — such as going for a trip with people you love.
The memories will stick with you forever and you’ll be glad to have them.
2. Knowing that you’re going to die one day
Most of us are afraid of stepping out of our comfort zone.
But what we should be worried about instead is staying in the same position — stagnant — and not progressing at all.
If you compare your current self to the person you were 1 year ago, are you satisfied with what you did? Do you regret anything?
What about the things you’ve always wanted to do? Is it a work in progress or you’re still waiting for the perfect time?
Thinking about your mortality is a great way to make you feel motivated and not feel afraid to open yourself to different experiences.
“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” — Steve Jobs
3. Start today and NOW, and stick to it
Starting today may seem like a chore to you.
But if you’re serious about your own self-development and growth to success, this cannot be a choice.
You have to be discipline and commit yourself to the intentional actions that will lead you to the place you want.
Want to start a business? Take up online courses, find a mentor, attend networking events…
The compilation of tiny activities will compound.
The ‘You’ 1 year from now wish you’d started at this very moment. So what are you waiting for?
4. Comparison kills momentum
Not everyone’s goals are the same as yours.
So why compare yourself to others?
The human desire is hard to resist. We want fame. We want material possessions. We want attention. We want to be rich.
If you create the right system and make progress every day, the fame, material possessions, attention, and money will follow — they are the byproducts.
Sure, investment bankers earn a lot. But if the job is not aligned with your interest, values, and passion, and is something that you feel obligated to do, then it’s probably not for you.
Do what makes you YOU. Don’t jump onto the bandwagon just because it’s the hottest trend or the path others take reap better rewards.
When you’re on the right path, people ahead of you tend to be helpful and will guide you to where you want to be. Let them be a source of inspiration.
And for those behind you, seek to teach them. It’s a win-win.
Comparison will kill your focus and kill you at last.
5. Fulfillment is more important than success
Sounds familiar to you? Have that thought come across your mind before?
Your happiness shouldn’t depend on your level of success.
Live every moment to its fullest.
Don’t put yourself through unnecessary stress.
Seek happiness first, and all the things you desire to have will come later.
6. Leverage downtime
Downtime is the time when you’re not working or active.
Make full use your downtime to relax from the chaos happening around us — spend time with your loved ones, read a good book, let your creative juices flow.
Don’t scroll your socials. Don’t binge your latest favorite drama show on Netflix. Don’t spend your time on your phone.
All these should be done in moderation. And not for long periods of time.
The greatest discovery does not come from doing, doing, and doing. It comes when the mind is in alpha state — a state of relaxation and where ideas flow naturally (oscillates between the theta and beta waves).
Leverage your downtime to spark creative ideas.
7. It’s riskier NOT to take risks
If you’re not happy with your current self and you’re not taking the risk to turn that around, the blame is on you.
The worst thing you can do in life is to tolerate mediocrity.
If you want to be mediocre, then stay comfortable.
If you want to be rich, step out of your comfort zone.
Struggle. Fail. Then succeed.
Don’t waste time avoiding failure.
Don’t waste time to feel motivated before you work on your dreams.
Remember the Goldilocks Rule. It states that “humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of their current abilities.”
Statistically, we feel motivated when we work on a task that is 4% beyond our current abilities.
Don’t let the small percentage fool you. Compounding effect will always occur.
8. Spend quality and meaningful time with your loved ones
Be present with your family.
Sure, you can take breaks and go on trips to grow yourself.
But be sure that you always have your family in mind.
Celebrate their birthdays, attend weddings, spend quality time during the holidays.
Create memories. Appreciate every moment with them.
Because good times don’t last forever.
TL;DR
1. Experiences are worth more than material possessions
2. Knowing that you’re going to die one day
3. Start today and NOW, and stick to it
4. Comparison kills momentum
5. Fulfillment is more important than success
6. Leverage downtime
7. It’s riskier NOT to take risks
8. Spend quality and meaningful time with your loved ones
These are the 8 life hacks to live a fulfilling life. Although some may not be applicable to your life, they definitely serve as guidelines that will help you live happily and meaningfully while enjoying all the finest things in life.
The desire to achieve the things you want in life certainly requires determination and perseverance, and there will be many roadblocks, but be sure to practice these hacks to feel incredible while heading down the right path.
If this newsletter resonates with you, here are three more ways I can help:
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Book me as a keynote speaker. Reach out at alvis (at) designlabb (dot) cc
Thanks for reading.
See you next week,
Alvis