The Ingredients To Fulfillment

During the last five years, there has been increasing proof supporting the relation of fulfillment with life or happiness and being able to utilize and maximize your strengths. Most human beings who feel fulfilled with their life are most likely to be less stressed or harassed, do well at work, have lesser sick days and social or psychological problems.

First and foremost, you need to know what the human brain needs. Gregory Berns, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at Emory University, believes that to feel satisfied is needed and essential to experience the fulfillment in one’s life. In his book, Satisfaction: The Science of Finding True Fulfillment, he declares that being fulfilled necessitates two significant ingredients which nature has shaped our brains to crave: challenge and novelty.

Stress which is connected with a challenge releases the hormone cortisone. In high levels, cortisone can be damaging to the human body both physically and mentally. However, in smaller amounts, it could enhance memory, elevate mood, and increase concentration and focus, making you more effective. While novelty in life gives off the neurotransmitter dopamine which is related to feelings of being happy and well-being.

When these two chemicals mingle and interact, then the stage is set for powerful feelings of being fulfilled. Second, research by doctors Martin Seligman, Nansook Park and Christopher Peterson have discovered that there are five basic character/signature strengths that are constantly and closely associated to satisfaction in life. Moreover, there is conclusive information which points out which strengths or assets are indispensable and the ingredients our brain requires to experience fulfillment.

So, do you possess these key strengths and characteristics? 1. Curiosity—finding topics and subjects intriguing and fascinating; taking a healthy interest in an ongoing and progressive experience and happenings for its own sake; constantly discovering and exploring. 2. Zest—feeling active and alive all over again; living life as a big adventure; approaching life with happy energy and excitement; not doing things halfway or in a halfhearted manner.

3. Gratitude—taking time in expressing thanks; being aware of and grateful for all the blessings and good things that happen. 4. Love—simply being close to other people; honoring close relationships, particularly those in which caring and sharing is interchanged. 5. Optimism—expecting and believing the best in what the future will hold.

The great news is, if these strengths are not high on your list, you can develop them. For example, to develop: 1. Curiosity, acquire more information about things you’re interested in and be open to ideas. 2. Zest, savor even those momentary pleasures. Do something with more energy and add more creativity in doing it.

3. Gratitude, especially if you're having a tough day, try counting your blessings by writing down three things that you are thankful for or appreciate stating “why”. 4. Love, spend more quality time and bonding moments with friends and family. Renew your personal relationships for a stronger bond. 5. Optimism, whenever you are facing a problem or difficulty, stay in the present and be specific about what or who is involved.

Instead of “stewing” on problems, practice “savoring” the simple joys of life.