Half full or half empty?

Have you ever thought what it would be like to live a completely fulfilling life?

Some people already know, but many more are still searching for ways to have it. We look at what we have and what we don’t have, then, look for something to fill the gap; and when we have it; we think we will be fulfilled. Unfortunately the pleasure of having things can be momentary and satisfaction fleeting.

For example think of something you really wanted to do when you started windsurfing, say your first carve gybe or loop. How great you felt when you got it, but then six months later it was no longer important, because you had other moves you were working on. Sometimes the satisfaction of the process of reaching the goal is better than the goal itself.

As long as we continue to look for ways to have a fulfilling life, we are likely to be disappointed. Being fulfilled is not something you possess; it’s something you are.

But don’t think being fulfilled is simply feeling good. It also exists when life is difficult or challenging. (Two words that really describe windsurfing).In fact some people say the times when they felt most fulfilled were when life was a struggle. When they were doing what was important to them, that they were passionate and committed to.

Some sailors fall off on every attempted move, over months of practice, but still feel fulfilled. Some ruin their windsurfing by thinking they will be happy only when they’ve achieved the move, (busting a gut in the process). Better to enjoy both the process and the achievement, gain fulfilment through the learning; have a sense of inner peace and outer struggle at the same time.

As for the question of half empty or half full…

Two salesmen go to China to sell windsurfing equipment. After a few days the first salesman’s company receives an email that says,

“Disaster, no one in China windsurfs. Coming back immediately”.

At about the same time the company of the other receives an email from their salesmen that says,

“Great news, no one in China windsurfs. Start production immediately”.

It all depends on how you look at it!

Bernie Evans is a co-active coach and consultant, who runs creative think tanks for leaders of organisations, trains people in creative problem solving, and works with individuals and teams, on how they can best improve their performance and gain fulfilment.

Please email him your thoughts : bernie@boardseeker.com