I heard a story recently from impeccable sources. I can’t remember the details, but the story is true, honestly.
Now this is important. Well, I think it’s important and I’ve given this matter considerable consideration. I believe that if you understand this, you’ll understand all of life.
Here’s the story:
The richest man in Germany once lost 4 billion euros in a very short period of time. A very short period of time and a vast amount of money was lost to him.
He was significantly disturbed, so disturbed about this loss that he committed suicide.
Have you ever lost 4 billion euros?
No, me neither. Yet as large a sum as it is, I however can’t help thinking something in this man's perspective and life was very unbalanced.
Not only that, the next part of the story is that this particular fellow still had 9 billion euros left.
He's still a fantastically wealthy man, and yet something told him life was not worth living with only 9 billion in the bank.
Achievement versus Fulfilment
I believe it is a problem of Achievement versus Fulfilment.
So many people confuse the two. I know I certainly did for a long time. Let’s see upon explaining if there are places in your life if you do the same …
Many people solely focus on Achievement. It is your to-do list, your jobs, your goals.
They completely forget Fulfilment, which is contentment, being stress-free, having perspective and satisfaction and joy.
Or they think that Fulfilment comes solely from Achievement: “When I achieve this, then I will be happy and fulfilled.” “When I have this, then I will feel satisfied.”
For example: “When I have this person in my life, and they are behaving the way I want them to, I am happy.” “When I get that promotion or seal that deal, then that will satisfy me.”
And it does, doesn’t it? It does satisfy, it does make you happy.
Yet the problem with this approach is that when the Achievement doesn’t happen, or you lose something, Fulfilment goes away.
Make a financial loss? You don’t just lose money, you think, you lose Fulfilment itself, everything you’re trying to get by chasing Achievement in the first place.
You are aiming to Achieve so you can feel Fulfilled, you see? Fulfilment is the goal.
Combined with the fact that Fulfilment is as important, if not more important, than Achievement (because it is the foundation to all calm, clear thinking that allows Achievement) this is a cause of significant strife to many.
So don’t fall into the trap of believing that Fulfilment solely depends on Achieving stuff. It doesn’t, they live together, side by side.
Now: Fulfilment only is not enough. Achievement is important too. I know I am happiest when I feel that I am improving and moving forward, and it is the same for all humans.
Realise both are necessary.
And realise that chances are YOU aren’t able to freely choose to be Fulfilled, no matter what, no matter what you are Achieving or not Achieving, no matter what is happening in your life.
And that means you are very unbalanced. You are not free, you are chained.
Any little upset in your plan and you are thrown sideways. Any huge upset, such as losing 4 billion euros (or the equivalent to you) means everything you hold to be certain about life vanishes (and that is a catastrophic thing).
The good news is that you can learn to be free to choose to be Fulfilled at any time. You unchain yourself.
You can come to a place where nothing can remove your Fulfilment. It serves as a joyous, steady foundation for everything you want to do and Achieve.
You find freedom from stress, from fear, from loss and lack. You gain courage and inspiration, energy and excellent humour too. You Achieve way more, not less. You don’t lose your edge by nurturing Fulfilment, you sharpen it.
How do you practice Fulfilment?
It’s a many faceted approach that works best, I believe.
A regular meditation and mindfulness practice, such as the Bright Path Ishayas’ Ascension, works wonders.
Being Present, soaking in the presence of the Now is so important.
Acceptance and Gratitude and Appreciation and Loving Kindness is essential too.
The “Half-step Back” is a key ingredient, as is Courage and Clarity, and a few other things that I can’t quite think of right now.
Okay? Don’t neglect inner Fulfilment. Is is as important, if not more important than Achievement.
Questions? Let me know, I’d love to help.
Go well!
Arjuna
PS.
Get your question answered!
I’m always looking for topics for these blogs, so if you have a question or a doubt or a query … why not ask? (Here is a good place to ask)
I’d be very grateful if you did.
PPS.
If you’re interested in mastering Fulfilment as well as Achievement … that is ending stress, overwhelm, negativity and being super anchored in clarity, energy, peace and compassion … then I have a free guide for you.
108 Ways to finding unshakeable inner Fulfilment and the foundation to all Achievement,
Get your free copy here:
https://www.arjunaishaya.com/108ways/