I discovered a flaw.

I discovered a flaw.

Several years ago, I set a lifelong goal to live healthy and happy to 100 years of age.

I researched centenarians, people who’ve reached the age of 100.

I discovered common characteristics among them.

First, I categorized them into six areas.

1. Financial.

2. Intellectual curiosity.

3. Service.

4. Social.

5. Spirituality.

6. Health and fitness.

Next, I set targets and objectives for each.

I evaluate and revise them every year.

But I’ve come to believe there’s a flaw in my lifelong goal.

Happiness.

We’re programmed to think that happiness is the ultimate goal.

Happiness is a feeling of joy and excitement.

It’s a temporary sensation.

Fleeting.

It’s a polarized emotion.

It comes and goes but cannot last.

If eternal happiness is a fantasy, then what?

Rather than seeking happiness, I’m now aiming for fulfillment.

Fulfillment is a state of being.

It’s balanced, unpolarized, and sustainable.

I’ve begun to rethink the targets and objectives for each of the 6 areas.

Aiming for fulfillment doesn’t mean I don’t experience happiness or pleasure.

Instead, they are the results of my pursuit, not the objective.

I’ve come to realize that I do many things that fulfill me.

But these things don’t necessarily make me happy or provide pleasure.

– Spending 10 hours on a Saturday at my daughter’s volleyball tournament.

– Saving money for retirement.

– Lifting weights.

– Meditating.

– Even writing this post.

I wouldn’t say any give me the feeling of happiness or pleasure.

But I choose to do them.

Because each fulfills me.

Fulfillment is passionately living a life of purpose.

It’s an ongoing pursuit of things that matter.

As a result, I’ve revised my lifelong goal.

Now the goal is to live healthy and fulfilled to 100.

Happiness comes from what we do.

Fulfillment comes from why we do it.