We live in a world that obsessed with people trying to share their views and opinions on endless social media for feeling good. “Do what makes you happy” is the mantra printed on mugs, T-shirts, and Instagram captions. But somewhere between chasing happiness, checking off goals, and lying in bed wondering if this is it… we start to ask deeper questions.
Should I be chasing happiness? Or is it satisfaction I’m after? Maybe it’s something deeper like fulfilment?
Let us break them down.
Happiness
Happiness is a moment. It’s laughing until your stomach hurts, dancing to your favorite song, or that giddy excitement when your food finally arrives. It’s joy, pleasure, and that emotional high we all crave. But it’s also fleeting. You feel it, and then it passes.
Nothing wrong with happiness it’s necessary. But if you try to live only for happiness, you might find yourself constantly chasing the next hit, like emotional fast food. Enjoyable, but not always nourishing.
Satisfaction
Satisfaction is quieter. It’s the sigh of relief after completing a tough project. It’s looking at something you’ve built be it a career, a home, or a life and saying, Yeah, I did that. Satisfaction comes from effort, from meeting goals, from progress.
But here’s the catch: satisfaction often fades too. Once you reach a goal, your mind says, what’s next? It’s productive, yes but it can feel like running on a treadmill if there’s no deeper reason behind the grind.
Fulfilment
Fulfilment is different. It’s deeper. It’s when your life aligns with your values. When what you do, how you live, and who you are all feel like they belong together. Fulfilment is purpose-driven. It’s not about the highs or the wins it’s about meaning.
Fulfilment can be hard. It doesn’t always feel good in the moment. It might mean choosing discomfort, sacrifice, or a slower path. But it lasts. It roots you.
So… what should you choose?
We at Mentoring Minds Counsellors understand that you don’t have to choose just one.
Happiness lifts you. Satisfaction moves you. Fulfilment grounds you. The real magic happens when you’re aware of what you’re chasing and why.
But if you’re standing at a crossroads in life between taking the easy win or doing the meaningful thing ask yourself this:
Do I want to feel good now, or feel right in the long run?
Personally I’ll take fulfilment. Because when life is hard (and it will be), happiness might disappear, and satisfaction might not be enough. But fulfilment? That stays. It’s the quiet peace that tells you and you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
If Want to take it deeper? Journal on this:
- What moments in your life brought you happiness?
- What accomplishments gave you the most satisfaction?
- When have you felt truly fulfilled?
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