Have you ever met someone who just seemed to radiate contentment and purpose, even when life threw them curveballs? Well, turns out, that those people have specific traits that make them that way. It’s time to look at the shared characteristics of people who find deep fulfillment in life.
1. They practice gratitude like it’s their job
These people have turned gratitude into a daily practice. They might keep a journal, share their appreciation with others, or simply take a moment each day to reflect on what they’re thankful for. This constant focus on the positive doesn’t mean they’re ignoring life’s challenges. Instead, they’re training their brains to find the silver lining and the happiness.
2. They know how to be present
You know how easy it is to get caught up worrying about the future or dwelling on the past? Well, deeply fulfilled people are really good at staying present. They’re not constantly checking their phones during conversations or mentally planning tomorrow’s to-do list while having dinner with family. Nope, they’re fully engaged in whatever they’re doing, appreciating each experience as it comes.
3. They practice self-compassion
Deeply fulfilled people get that life isn’t always going to be easy. The difference is, they don’t beat themselves up when things go wrong. Instead, they’re their own best friend, giving themselves understanding and kindness when they make mistakes. They approach their flaws and failures with a growth mindset instead of harsh self-criticism and that allows them to bounce back more quickly.
4. They contribute to something larger than themselves
Deeply fulfilled people have found ways to make a positive impact beyond their own lives. Maybe it’s through their career, volunteer work, or just how they interact with other people on a daily basis. The key is that they feel connected to a larger purpose—even small acts of kindness or working towards a cause they believe in can provide this sense of meaning.
5. They practice forgiveness
Holding onto grudges is like carrying around a heavy backpack—it weighs you down and limits where you can go. People who are deeply fulfilled have learned to let go of resentments and practice forgiveness, both towards others and themselves. Don’t get me wrong, they don’t let others walk all over them or forget lessons learned. They’re just able to free themselves from the burden of bitterness (there’s also science stating that forgiving others leads to more happiness).
6. They embrace imperfection
They’ve made peace with the fact that life (and they themselves) will never be perfect—and that’s okay. They strive for excellence in areas that matter to them, but they don’t let the idea of being perfect paralyze them. They can laugh at their own mistakes, share their work even when it’s not “perfect,” and appreciate the beauty in imperfections.
7. They maintain a sense of autonomy
Deeply fulfilled people feel a sense of control over their lives. They know that they can’t control everything that happens to them– they’re not delusional—but they do believe in their ability to respond to life accordingly. They make conscious choices about how they spend their time, who they spend it with, and what they prioritize. Talk about satisfaction.
8. They nurture meaningful relationships
These people understand that connection is key to happiness. They invest time and energy in building and maintaining strong relationships with family, friends, and their community. But here’s the kicker: they’re not obsessed with having a huge social circle. Nope, they focus on quality over quantity, creating deep, authentic connections. They’re the ones who remember birthdays, check in on friends going through tough times, and aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and share their own struggles.
9. They keep a sense of humor
Life can be absurd, challenging, and a lot of the time, unfair. Deeply fulfilled people have learned to find the humor in the ups and downs. They can laugh at themselves, see the funny side of difficult situations, and use laughing as a coping mechanism. Now that doesn’t mean they’re never serious, they’re just able to use humor as a buffer against stress.
10. They practice mindful consumption
In our consumer-driven society, they’ve learned to be a little more intentional about what they bring into their lives. This applies to material possessions, what they consume on media, and even relationships. This mindful approach helps them avoid clutter (both physical and mental) and ensures that they’re surrounding themselves with things and experiences that genuinely enhance their well-being.
11. They cultivate a growth mindset
Challenges and setbacks don’t deter these people—they see them as opportunities for learning and growth. It allows them to embrace challenges, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others. We love to see it.
12. They’ve identified their core values and live by them
These people have already done the hard work of figuring out what really matters to them, and they use these values as a compass for their lives. Whether it’s family, creativity, personal growth, or making a difference in the world, they’ve taken the time to reflect on what they truly believe in and what gives their life meaning.
13. They prioritize their physical and mental health
Deeply fulfilled people understand that taking care of their body and mind is paramount for their well-being. Now, we wouldn’t call them fitness fanatics or health freaks, but they do make conscious choices to support their health. This might include regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and managing stress through practices like meditation or yoga. They also aren’t afraid to seek help when they need it, whether that’s talking to a friend or seeing a therapist.
14. They cultivate a sense of awe and wonder
You know how kids can be amazed by the simplest things? Deeply fulfilled adults have held onto some of that childlike wonder. They haven’t become jaded or bored with life. Instead, seek out experiences that inspire awe—whether that’s spending time in nature, appreciating art, or learning about scientific discoveries. This keeps life feeling fresh and exciting and often provides a sense of connection to something larger than themselves.
15. They maintain a balance between striving and accepting
On one hand, they set goals and work towards self-improvement. On the other, they practice acceptance of themselves and their circumstances. It’s kind of like they’re simultaneously paddling their boat forward while also being okay with where they are right now. This allows them to make progress without tying their happiness solely to what they achieve.
