Many people I know are perpetually longing for more in their life or work. Sadly, they struggle to be happy or fulfilled because they are consistently focused on wishing for “more,” anticipating “what’s next” and the “if onlys” in their life. Just a few of the complaints and wishes I hear on a regular basis are:
- I want a promotion
- I wish I had a stronger team
- If only I made more money
- I need more responsibility
- I deserve more recognition
Do any of them sound like you?
Albert Einstein once said:
”If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on it I would use the first 55 minutes to formulate the right question because as soon as I have identified the right question I can solve the problem in less than five minutes”
Quite honestly, longing without action is a problem. You’ll forever be stuck wanting and never feel fulfilled. The good news is that we can all take a lesson from Einstein. Problems, when partnered with the right question, lead to inspired action.
Ask Questions
When you notice you’re longing for more, stop and ask:
- What do I really want?
- What does my longing tell me about what I really want to be doing?
- How does my longing impact how I show up to my team, colleagues, supervisors, friends, or community?
Pick a Path to Inspired Action
Here are four potential paths to find inspired action. Looking down each path may help to reframe your problem, find the perfect question or, at the very least, add depth along your journey for more fulfillment.
Path #1: Build Connection
Relationships are like gold. Build, nurture, and value them. When you build relationships, you have advocates, cheerleaders, confidants and a network that goes far beyond your own personal reach. Don’t be shy – put in the effort and make the time to reach out! Set up a call, lunch or a coffee to connect – it doesn’t matter. Just do what’s most authentic for you. True personal connection is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life.
Path #2: Be Creative
When you are bored, it’s hard to do more than go through the motions. Creative action can be big or small but it is always sure to wake you up and help you get a fresh perspective.
Some small creative choices are to read a book, write a blog post, play by making things hard on yourself… try closing your eyes while typing or not using the thesaurus when playing Words With Friends.
Some big creative actions are to take a class, deliver a lunch and learn about a favorite topic, or build a team to raise money for charity.
Pick anything! The goal is to wake up and engage. Tap into that feeling of when you really give yourself over to the creative choice… that’s flow… follow the feeling to more fulfillment.
Path #3: Practice Gratitude
It’s easy to think something is missing when you don’t stop to take stock of what you already have right now. Practicing gratitude comes in two flavors: You and Me.
“You gratitude” is all about what’s great in your life. Maybe you love your colleagues, have interesting work, or have a friend that always knows when you need a hot latte or a second glass of wine. Whatever “it” is for you, big or small, stop and recognize it! Put a daily or weekly practice in place of writing down all of the great things in your life. Doesn’t matter if it’s a journal, written on your fridge or an email to yourself. Simply write it down somewhere you can see the list as it grows.
“Me gratitude” isn’t really about ME… it’s about everyone in your life that isn’t you. Catch people doing things right instead of focusing on every mistake and struggle. Tell people what you see and genuinely thank them. Let them know that you truly see them and their unique contribution. You’ll feel great when you see how much people appreciate an authentic thank you and recognition for their efforts.
PATH #4: Be Radical
Have an idea? Share it! Want to spearhead a project? Ask to do it! Stop being quiet out of fear and step forward. The time is NOW. Take a chance. Go out on a limb. Stand out. Step up. However you want to say it just stop waiting for something to fall into your lap – take action to move towards your goals.
Bottom Line
Today (don’t wait for tomorrow, next week or next month) tell five people what you want to accomplish and by when. Don’t forget to drop the “I wish” and “I want” language. Phrase your goal in terms of what you WILL do, not just WANT to do. Choose people that will ask you “Did you do it?” The surest path to a more fulfilling life and reaching your goals is to step, one foot in front of the other. You just need to be really clear on what your goals are, be brave, and make them happen.
What makes you most fulfilled and what do you want to be held accountable for on your path? Tell me in the comments below!
Love this Alli! Great points and good reminders for me as I consider the next steps in my journey.
You’re a great addition to the tribe. Looking forward to reading more of what you have to offer.
Best Regards,
Janine
Thanks so much, Janine! My pleasure being connected with such inspiring people in the HR & leadership space! Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂
There is a lot of solid advice here Alli! I love the Einstein quote and am a firm believer in the power of asking a good question.
I’m formulating my new dream vision. As of today! How important is it, do you believe, to tell people about the dream? Sometimes I find the dream is stronger before I give voice to it – audible voice that is!
Lori
Lori – Thanks for your comment! I couldn’t agree more! Doing the inner work to get clear on your dream and what it means to you is incredibly important. Sometimes, when we tell others, they try to poke holes in our dreams and we need to believe in the power of the vision enough to persevere. Hopefully, for the really big, juicy, powerful dreams, the point in time comes when sharing the dream propels us forward into action instead of remaining in a state of dreaming.
Best,
Alli