Is a Fulfilled Life Better Than a Happy Life?

When we talk about living a "good" life, two words often pop up: happiness and fulfillment. They sound similar but if we dig a bit deeper, we find that they are quite different. The big question is, which one is better? Let’s break it down, and maybe by the end of this, we’ll have a clearer picture.

Defining Happiness and Fulfillment

First of all, what do we mean by a happy life? Happiness is that feeling of joy, pleasure, or contentment. It’s those moments when things are going just right, the way we want them to.

Think of the joy you feel when you’re with your friends, the pleasure of eating your favorite meal, or the contentment after a good day’s work. Happiness is usually linked to external factors and tends to be more temporary. It's moment-based.

Fulfillment, on the other hand, is a bit deeper. A fulfilled life is about feeling that your life has purpose and meaning. It’s about personal growth, living an intentional life with long-term goals, and feeling that what you do matters. Fulfillment is more about the internal state and tends to be more enduring.

Happiness: The Pursuit or a Result?

Here’s something interesting: many people who are the happiest didn’t set out to be happy. They often found happiness as a result of living a certain way. They engaged in meaningful activities, invested in relationships, and took care of their physical, emotional and mental health.

In other words, they found happiness through living a fulfilled life.

Fulfillment: The Deeper Satisfaction

When we look at fulfillment, it’s more about the long game. Think about the people who dedicate their lives to a cause, like activists, artists, or educators. They may not always be “happy”, as their work can be challenging and stressful at times. However, they often feel a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose.

Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, wrote about this in his book, "Man’s Search for Meaning." He argued that finding meaning in life is the primary, most powerful motivator in humans. According to Frankl, even in the most brutal conditions, having a purpose can lead to a sense of fulfillment which then contributes to surpassing hard times.

Happiness vs. Fulfillment: Which One Is Better?

So, is a fulfilled life better than a happy life?

I'll answer this way: if you aim for fulfillment, happiness often follows. Engage in activities that you find meaningful, build strong relationships, and strive for personal growth. This doesn’t mean you’ll be happy all the time—life has its ups and downs—but you’ll learn how to get yourself out of difficulty faster and better.

A fulfilled life tends to be more rewarding in the long run because it’s rooted in purpose and meaning. While happiness is a wonderful state to experience, it’s temporay, dependent on external circumstances. By seeking fulfillment, you create a stable foundation for lasting well-being, where happiness becomes a delightful companion on your journey rather than the ultimate destination.

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