For a long time, I simply existed – unfulfilled, unhappy. My life felt like a monotone, lacking the vibrant colors of joy and satisfaction.
Then, everything changed. I adopted eight new habits and my life took a refreshing turn.
These new habits were not magical quick fixes, but they reconditioned my mindset. They nudged me to find happiness and fulfilment in places I never thought to look.
In this article, I’ll share these eight transformative habits that pulled me out of my rut and showed me the path to a more fulfilling life.
Let’s get started.
1) Embracing gratitude
I had heard about the power of gratitude before, but it always seemed like a cliche to me. How could simply saying ‘thank you’ for what I have make any significant difference?
But then, things got so low that I was willing to try anything, even the cliches. So I started a gratitude journal. Every day, I wrote down three things that I was thankful for.
This simple habit transformed my perspective. Instead of focusing on what was missing in my life, I began to appreciate what I had. The world didn’t change, but my lens to view it did.
I realized that there was so much goodness in my life, and acknowledging it brought me a sense of peace and contentment that I had never experienced before.
Gratitude isn’t about denying the negative aspects of life. It’s about choosing to focus on the positive, and this shift in focus can make a world of difference.
2) Incorporating exercise into my routine
My relationship with exercise had always been a rocky one. I saw it as a chore, something to be ticked off the to-do list. But when I started feeling unfulfilled and unhappy, I decided to give exercise another shot.
I began with just walking around the block. Then, gradually, I pushed myself to do more – jogging, yoga, even dance classes. The key was to find something I enjoyed doing, not just something that burned calories.
Within a few weeks, I noticed a significant shift in my mood. I felt less stressed and more energetic. My mind seemed clearer, and my sleep improved.
One day, after a particularly invigorating run, it hit me like a bolt of lightning – I was happy. Exercising wasn’t just improving my physical health; it was lifting my spirits too.
Now, no matter how busy my day gets, I make sure to carve out some time for exercise. It’s not just a routine; it’s a lifeline that keeps me grounded and content.
3) Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness, the act of being fully present in the moment, was a game-changer for me. It’s all about engaging with your senses and paying attention to the world around you, rather than getting lost in your thoughts.
Scientific studies have shown that mindfulness can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. It’s even been found to physically alter the structure of the brain, enhancing areas associated with attention and sensory processing.
Incorporating mindfulness into my daily life helped me to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Instead of constantly dwelling on the past or fretting about the future, I learned to enjoy the here and now. This brought a newfound sense of peace and fulfillment to my life.
4) Studying Buddhism
My journey into Buddhism didn’t start as a spiritual quest. Rather, it was born out of curiosity and a deep desire to understand my own unhappiness.
The teachings of Buddhism, especially the concept of ego and attachment, struck a chord with me. I began to see how my own ego and attachments were contributing to my sense of unfulfillment.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into these concepts. I explore how embracing Buddhist principles can lead to a life of happiness and fulfillment, free from the shackles of ego.
Adopting Buddhist teachings helped me shift my perspective from ‘What can I get?’ to ‘What can I give?’. This transformation helped me break free from the confines of self-centered thinking and opened up a new world of compassion, empathy, and fulfillment.
5) Prioritizing self-care
I used to think that prioritizing myself was selfish. I spent too much time catering to the needs of others, often neglecting my own well-being in the process.
Then, I hit rock bottom. I was burned out, physically and mentally exhausted. That’s when I realized that if I didn’t take care of myself, I wouldn’t be able to take care of anyone else either.
So, I started setting boundaries. I learned to say ‘no’ when necessary and stopped feeling guilty about it. I made time for activities that nourished my soul – reading, painting, even just sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
This shift towards self-care helped me regain my energy and enthusiasm for life. It taught me that it’s not selfish to take care of yourself; it’s essential for your mental and emotional well-being.
6) Welcoming failure
The society we live in often stigmatizes failure, making us fear it. We are taught to avoid failure at all costs. But what if I told you that failure was not something to be feared but embraced?
I used to dread failure. The mere thought of it would send me into a spiral of anxiety. But then, I realized that every time I failed, I learned something new. Every failure was a stepping stone towards growth and improvement.
So, I started welcoming failure. Each setback became an opportunity to learn, to adapt, and to grow stronger.
This shift in perspective took the fear out of failure. It allowed me to take risks and step out of my comfort zone, which in turn, led to personal growth and fulfillment. It might sound counter-intuitive, but embracing failure can actually be a stepping stone towards success and happiness.
7) Cultivating positive relationships
I used to think that I could go it alone, that I didn’t need anyone else to be happy. But, over time, I realized that the relationships I had with the people around me significantly impacted my wellbeing.
I started paying more attention to my relationships. I began to invest time and energy in the people who lifted me up and distanced myself from those who brought me down.
Cultivating positive relationships has brought a sense of belonging and love into my life. The support and encouragement of my loved ones have become a source of strength and happiness for me.
We are social beings by nature. Nurturing positive relationships can significantly enhance our sense of fulfillment and joy in life.
8) Practicing self-compassion
In my journey towards fulfillment and happiness, the most critical lesson I learned was to be kind to myself. I realized that I was my own worst critic, constantly judging and berating myself for every little mistake.
So, I started practicing self-compassion. I treated myself with the same kindness and understanding that I would extend to a close friend. Instead of dwelling on my shortcomings, I learned to appreciate my efforts and celebrate my progress.
Practicing self-compassion has fundamentally changed my relationship with myself. It has allowed me to embrace my imperfections and recognize my worth. This has been the key to finding true happiness and fulfillment in life.
Final Thoughts: It’s a journey
Life, in its essence, is a journey. A journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth. The path towards fulfillment and happiness is no different.
For me, adopting these eight habits has been transformative. They’ve shifted my perspective, opened my eyes to the beauty of life, and brought a sense of fulfillment and contentment that I hadn’t known before.
But remember, this is not a one-size-fits-all formula. We are all unique individuals with our own set of challenges and circumstances.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore the concepts that have helped me on my journey towards fulfillment and how they can be tailored to fit your unique circumstances.
Finally, remember to be patient with yourself. Change takes time. It’s about making small, consistent steps towards a better you.
So embark on this journey with an open mind and a compassionate heart. Try out these habits, adapt them to your life, and see where they take you. You might just find yourself closer to the fulfillment and happiness that you seek.