It is not the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit.
-Denis Waitley
As a young actor, Jim Carey, worked tirelessly to become a well-known, highly paid performer. He kept a fake check for $10 million dollars in his wallet and imagined a day when he would be paid that sum for his leading role in a movie. The day came with his debut in the hit movie Ace Ventura.
Within several years of reaching his life’s dream Carey experienced depression and a lack of fulfillment in life.
What Carey and many of his predecessors realized was that money, possessions, and even success is not the way to true fulfillment. Even though there are so many of these examples, fulfillment is possible.
We, as individuals, can achieve fulfillment. As Waitley’s quote at the beginning of this article states, there are certain conditions within the pursuit of a vision that lead us to the fulfillment we seek.
You can live your life from circumstance or you can live your life from vision.
-Amelia Airhart
It is the act of moving towards your life’s vision that brings fulfillment, but Eric Barker in his book Barking Up the Wrong Tree says there are a few criteria that need to be met to experience fulfillment.
He offers an insightful framework known as W.I.N.E., which stands for Winning, Influencing, Needing, and Enjoying, which is a practical guide to fostering feelings of success and fulfillment daily.
In this post, we’ll explore each of these four elements and how they can enrich our everyday experiences.
Winning: Setting and Achieving Daily Goals
The first element of the W.I.N.E. framework is Winning. Feeling like you’re winning is about setting and achieving small, manageable goals each day. These could be as simple as writing a daily blog post, reading a chapter of a book, or completing a workout. When we set and accomplish these tasks, they contribute to larger life goals and give us a sense of progress and pride.
Achieving these small victories consistently helps build a foundation for greater achievements. It’s important to reflect on these accomplishments regularly; doing so reinforces our sense of progress and motivates us to continue striving towards our bigger goals.
Influencing: Making a Positive Impact
The second aspect, Influencing, involves making a positive impact on those around us. Whether through acts of kindness, mentorship, or simply by leading by example, influencing others positively can significantly enhance our own sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Engaging in activities that reflect our values and inspire others to improve themselves enriches not just our lives but also the community around us.
For example, helping a colleague at work, volunteering in your community, or spending time teaching and nurturing your children can all be deeply rewarding experiences.
Needing: Feeling Valued and Essential
Feeling Needed is the third critical component of the W.I.N.E. framework. It’s about being an essential part of the lives of those around you.
At home, this might mean being there for your family and friends, providing support and understanding.
In the workplace, it involves leveraging your unique skills in a way that your team or organization relies on you.
When people depend on us, it reinforces our value and contributes to our self-esteem.
Make sure to be emotionally available and present for those who count on you, and you’ll find that this not only strengthens your relationships but also enhances your own feelings of self-worth.
Enjoying: Appreciating the Process and Finding Joy
The final element, Enjoying, is about finding joy in the process and appreciating the everyday experiences of life.
This could involve adding elements of fun to routine tasks, like listening to your favorite music while doing housework, or taking a moment to savor a delicious meal.
It’s also beneficial to cultivate a habit of gratitude by taking time each day to recognize and appreciate something positive.
This practice helps maintain a joyful and appreciative mindset, making even mundane tasks more enjoyable and life more gratifying.
Crafting a Life of Fulfillment and Joy
By incorporating the W.I.N.E. framework into our daily lives, we can create a routine that not only propels us towards our vision but also ensures that each day is lived to its fullest.
This approach allows us to experience a life that feels both successful and deeply fulfilling.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of life, let these four elements guide us to better appreciate our daily experiences and the people around us.
Let’s remember that our greatest gifts often come from our own actions and the relationships we nurture.
By consciously choosing to engage in activities that foster joy and success, we ensure that our lives are not just lived but cherished.
So, let’s embrace these principles and make each day a celebration of living purposefully and joyously.
Here’s to a fulfilling life, rich with winning moments, influential connections, needed presence, and enjoyable experiences.
If you are interested in adopting the beliefs and behaviors necessary to obtain fulfillment instantly, schedule a session with me HERE.
Happy living!
Jennifer
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Michigan Life Coaching, Personal Growth, and PSYCH-K®️. Taking your life to the next level and creating the abundance you deserve.
