People who are genuinely fulfilled in life usually live by these 9 rules

There’s a huge difference between just getting by and feeling truly fulfilled in life.

This distinction often comes down to living by a certain set of rules that guide our actions and shape our attitudes.

People who are genuinely fulfilled in life, they’ve got these rules down. And you’d be surprised to hear that they aren’t complicated or elusive.

I am going to share with you nine simple yet profound rules that truly content people live by. If you’re seeking a deeper sense of satisfaction in life, keep reading.

1) Gratitude is key

One of the most common traits among those who are genuinely fulfilled in life is the practice of gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” when someone does something kind for you. It’s about cultivating an attitude of appreciation for all aspects of life – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Think about it. By focusing on what we’re grateful for, we shift our attention away from what’s lacking in our lives and towards what’s abundant. This simple shift in perspective can lead to a profound sense of contentment.

Truly fulfilled people understand this. They appreciate the simple joys, acknowledge the lessons in hardships, and express their gratitude openly and frequently.

If you aspire to lead a more fulfilling life, start by counting your blessings. But remember, it’s not just about acknowledging them; it’s about genuinely appreciating them.

2) Embrace challenges

Another rule that genuinely fulfilled people live by is to embrace challenges. Challenges, though tough, are often the catalysts for growth and self-improvement.

Here’s a personal example. A couple of years ago, I found myself in a job that was comfortable but unfulfilling. I felt stagnant, like I wasn’t growing or learning anything new. The easy option would have been to stay put, but instead, I chose to step out of my comfort zone and pursue a new career path.

I won’t lie – it was tough. There were countless times when I doubted my decision and felt like giving up. But as I pushed through the discomfort and overcame each challenge, not only did I grow professionally, but also personally.

Today, I can confidently say that it was one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It taught me resilience, perseverance, and the value of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Don’t shy away from challenges. Embrace them. They might just be the stepping stones to a more fulfilled life.

3) Prioritize relationships

Those who find genuine fulfillment in life tend to place a high value on their relationships. Whether it’s family, friends, or significant others, these connections offer support, joy, and meaning to our lives.

There’s an ongoing Harvard study that has been tracking the lives of 724 men for over 75 years now. It’s one of the longest studies of adult life that’s ever been done. The goal was to see what factors contribute most to human happiness.

And you know what they found? It wasn’t wealth. It wasn’t fame. It was good relationships that kept these men happiest in their lives.

Invest time and energy into maintaining and nurturing your relationships. At the end of the day, it’s the quality of your relationships that contribute significantly to a fulfilled life.

4) Live in the present

Living in the present is a common rule among those who live fulfilled lives. It means focusing on what is happening right now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Think about it. The past is gone; we can’t change it. The future isn’t here yet; we can’t control it. All we truly have is this moment, right now.

When we become fully engaged in the present, we start to appreciate the beauty of life as it unfolds. We become more mindful and aware, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment.

Instead of letting your mind wander to the past or future, bring your focus back to the present. Appreciate the now. It can make a world of difference in how fulfilled you feel.

5) Practice self-care

Self-care is a non-negotiable rule for those who lead genuinely fulfilled lives. It’s all about taking care of your own physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

You see, it’s hard to feel fulfilled when you’re constantly running on empty. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and a host of other health issues.

On the other hand, when we prioritize self-care, we’re not just taking care of our bodies, but also our minds and souls. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, hobbies that we enjoy – these are all forms of self-care. And they all contribute to our overall sense of fulfillment.

Don’t regard self-care as an indulgence. It’s a necessity. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, and you’ll be in a better position to lead a fulfilling life.

6) Be kind

Kindness is a universal rule that fulfilled people live by. It’s about treating others with respect, understanding, and compassion. And it’s not just about the big acts of kindness, but also the small, everyday ones.

Have you ever noticed how good it feels to do something nice for someone else? Maybe you held the door open for a stranger, helped a friend in need, or simply offered a warm smile to someone having a bad day.

In those moments, you’re not just making someone else’s day a little brighter – you’re also boosting your own mood.

That’s the beauty of kindness. It benefits both the giver and the receiver. It fosters connection, improves our mood, and contributes to our overall sense of fulfillment.

Be kind – not because it’s expected, but because it’s a simple and powerful way to add more joy and fulfillment to your life.

7) Embrace imperfections

Perfection is an unattainable standard that can lead to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. Those who are genuinely fulfilled acknowledge and embrace their imperfections.

A few years back, I found myself constantly striving for perfection in every aspect of my life. Whether it was work, relationships, or personal goals, I was never satisfied unless things were perfect. Over time, this pursuit of perfection took a toll on my mental health.

It was only when I learned to let go of this unrealistic standard and embrace my imperfections that I started feeling more content and fulfilled. I realized that it’s our flaws and mistakes that make us human, that allow us to grow and evolve.

Don’t strive for perfection. Strive for progress. Embrace your imperfections – they’re part of what makes you uniquely you.

8) Pursue passion

People who are genuinely fulfilled in life often pursue their passions. They engage in activities that bring them joy, excitement, and a sense of purpose.

When we do what we love, it doesn’t feel like work. It energizes us, motivates us, and fills us with a sense of satisfaction that is hard to find elsewhere.

Whether it’s painting, writing, gardening, volunteering, or even starting a side business based on a hobby – chasing your passion can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Don’t ignore your passions. Make time for them. They’re not just hobbies; they’re a vital part of who you are and what makes you happy.

9) Cultivate self-love

The most essential rule that genuinely fulfilled people live by is cultivating self-love. It’s about accepting yourself as you are, respecting your needs and boundaries, and being gentle with yourself.

Self-love isn’t about being narcissistic or selfish. It’s about acknowledging your worth and believing in your capabilities. It’s about celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, and not being too hard on yourself when you stumble.

When you love yourself, you set the foundation for all other aspects of a fulfilling life. You’re more likely to pursue your passions, maintain healthy relationships, practice self-care, and live in the present moment.

The journey to a fulfilling life starts with loving yourself. It’s the most significant step you can take in this journey.

Final thoughts

Living a genuinely fulfilled life doesn’t necessarily mean grand accomplishments, fame, or wealth. As we’ve seen from these nine rules, it’s more about cultivating certain attitudes and habits.

It’s about practicing gratitude, facing challenges head-on, valuing relationships, living in the present moment, taking care of oneself, being kind, embracing imperfections, pursuing passions, and most importantly, fostering self-love.

These may seem simple on the surface but they hold profound implications for our lives. They are the stepping stones to a life that’s not just lived, but truly cherished and enjoyed.

Fulfillment is a journey and not a destination. It’s a way of living that embraces all aspects of life – the joys and the sorrows, the peaks and valleys.

As we conclude this reflection on fulfillment, I leave you with this thought: Which of these rules resonates with you the most? And how can you start incorporating it into your everyday life? Your journey towards genuine fulfillment starts with this single step.