Life is about pursuing our passions. We only have one life to live, and our ability to look back on our life with happiness and free of regret is based on whether we may choices that are in line with our self-interests – that are based on who we are as a person.
But this often doesn’t happen. Many people fall into the trap of pursuing paths in life that do not bring them fulfillment. This may be due to:
- Pressure From Family – Some people become doctors, lawyers, or seek out other paths based on spoken or unspoken family pressures.
- Societal Expectations – Some people avoid jobs that they want under pressure to be in a job of higher status, or one that pays more, or one that is considered more respectable.
- Practical Demands – Some people have no choice, as a result of location, health, family needs, and more, and seek out paths that can meet those demands.
As you get older, it’s easy to see how other factors may play into your achievements and your goals. But it’s important to not let those control you. Happiness is about identifying and enjoying the passions that you really have. When someone really loves what they do, they are more likely to be successful – not only in their happiness, but often financially and in their relationships.
Even if those goals may take time to manifest, there is incredible strength to pursuing those passions and trying to find your own way. Those that conform for the sake of conforming, or let fear guide their decisions often find that they are rarely fulfilled, rarely on the right path, and often experiencing depression and regret.
Call Long Island Psychologist Dr. Marc Shulman Today
Life fulfillment is important, not only for your mental health, but also for your relationships, your professional growth, and – in some ways – for your own adult development. If you feel like you’re not getting fulfilled, it may be that you are not following your passions, or that your “path” isn’t the one that is a best fit for who you are as a person.
For those that feel like they are lacking that fulfillment or happiness in their lives, and would like to start working to experience more positivity and less depression and anxiety, please call me today at 516-732-0273.
