the principles of a fulfilling life

Sometimes, it can be difficult to navigate the many challenges and uncertainties that we face on a daily basis. It can be easy to drown in the chaos of life if we don’t consistently practice how to strengthen our mindset. In order to make life more meaningful for myself and others around me, there are a few principles that I use to help me live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Sometimes the “how” is just as important as the “why”.

The first principle is to give without expectation of return.  When we give of ourselves, whether it be our time, talents or resources, we should do so without any expectation of receiving anything in return. This means giving abundantly and serving others in all aspects of life. We will indirectly benefit from doing so, but we shouldn’t use these benefits as motivation. Instead, we should simply strive to provide value and serve others to the best of our abilities.

The second principle is to align your interests with the things that are most interesting to you and what you are most curious about. If we are not passionate about what we are doing, it is unlikely that we will be able to sustain our efforts for the long term. To avoid tapping out, it is important to find activities and pursuits that we are truly interested in and to spend our time doing those things.

The third and final principle that I would suggest is to “always sharpen your axe.” By this, I mean we must always invest in ourselves so that we can continue to provide more value. This means taking the time to learn new skills, pursue new interests and develop yourself both personally and professionally. By doing so, you will be better equipped to serve others and provide even greater value in all aspects of your life.

As we navigate through life, it’s important to have a set of guiding principles that keep us grounded and focused on our goals.  These three principles can aid us in navigating the many challenges and opportunities that life presents. By following these three principles, we can lead a fulfilling life full of purpose, growth, and impact. Let’s strive to give selflessly, pursue our passions, and invest in ourselves to become the best versions of ourselves.

To a fulfilling life,

Paul David Thompson