Fulfillment is like the climate rather than the weather. Over time, we can shift our inner climate toward greater wellbeing. Then, when the storms do come, they aren’t as severe.
– Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
We’re all searching for fulfillment in one way or another. Today Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson discuss finding and maintaining fulfillment, and if it’s truly possible to be fulfilled all the time. We’re exploring how we can relate to our low moments amidst a “good vibes only” culture, what gets in the way of fulfillment, and the importance of respecting individual differences in nature.
Here’s the video about fulfillment on Forrest’s channel that we refer to during the episode.
Key Topics:
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:45: Fulfillment: “Climate” rather than “weather”
- 3:20: Context for the episode: Forrest’s video
- 5:00: Authentic fulfillment in the self-help space
- 9:15: The tyranny of low expectations
- 13:20: Eudaimonic and hedonic wellbeing
- 15:30: Pitfalls of chasing fulfillment
- 17:40: The importance of nature, individual variation, and circumstance
- 27:00: What are the upper reaches of possibility?
- 29:50: Dealing with “low fulfillment” moments
- 38:30: What tends to lead to fulfillment…and dealing with existential dread
- 43:30: Finding meaning amidst meaninglessness
- 48:05: Recap
From Rick: Want to learn more from Dr. Hanson? As a special offer for podcast listeners, you can now get an extra 25% off any of his courses if you use the code BEINGWELL25 at checkout!
Just One Thing: Dr. Rick Hanson offers 3 free, regular newsletters with a variety of tips, practices, videos, meditations, and other helpful resources you can use in everyday life to grow the good that lasts. Learn more and sign up here.
