The science that will help you feel more fulfilled with your life

As the new year begins, many of us find ourselves reflecting on our lives and seeking ways to feel more fulfilled. However, this process can often lead to confusion rather than clarity. One individual shared with Dear David their struggle with finding a new sense of direction, stating, “My New Year’s Resolution is to feel more fulfilled – but I don’t know how to start. What can I do to find a new sense of direction?”

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to happiness, engaging in reflective exercises can help realign priorities and increase the likelihood of discovering a more fulfilling path. Michaéla C. Schippers and Niklas Ziegler from Erasmus University Rotterdam advocate for a practice they call “life crafting,” which involves various action points based on psychological research on finding meaning and purpose.

The process of life crafting involves considering your values, passions, competencies, habits, social connections, career aspirations, goals, and commitment. By examining these aspects of your life, you can gain insight into what brings you joy, where you excel, and how you can make meaningful changes for the future.

Setting goals using implementation intentions, which involve creating specific plans to overcome obstacles, can help you progress towards your aspirations. For example, if writing a novel is a dream and creativity is a core value, you might establish a goal like, “If I get home before 7pm, I will write for an hour before dinner.”

Furthermore, enhancing your accountability by sharing your plans with others can increase your commitment to achieving your goals. This step reinforces the importance of social support in maintaining motivation and staying on track.

Remember that the journey towards a more fulfilling life is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and adjustment. Embrace the opportunity to explore new possibilities and make positive changes as you navigate the year ahead.

Further reading

For more insights, you can access Michaéla C. Schippers and Niklas Ziegler’s paper at doi.org/ghpv8q

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David Robson is an acclaimed science writer and the author of The Laws of Connection: 13 social strategies that will transform your life