Too often, people lusting after success become out-of-tune with their own emotions. With this in mind, leadership expert Stephen Bruyant-Langer, offers insight about how to feel fulfilled with your life.
While presenting an award at the Golden Globes, two-time winner Jim Carrey confessed to the audience that he dreamed of achieving such status because it would signal that he would be enough. A full version of the video can be found on YouTube – it’s very funny. But it also holds up a mirror to a common problem (not just in Hollywood); many people spend their lives chasing success but despite their achievements they’re left dissatisfied because becoming more well-off doesn’t guarantee being content.
Image: Stephen Bruyant-Langer
Having worked extensively with high-achieving individuals, I’ve found that displeasure stems, not from a lack of success, but from an imbalance in how we engage with life. When this balance is disrupted, life can lack meaning and fulfilment.
The three elements of a satisfying life
20th-century political theorist Hannah Arendt offered deep insights into human activity, categorising it into three fundamental types: labour, work, and action. In modern terms, we can think of these elements as mindful movement, creative doing, and impactful thinking. Each represents a crucial aspect of a fulfilling life, contributing uniquely to our sense of purpose and connection.
Mindful movement corresponds to Arendt’s idea of labour, focusing on our physical existence and engagement with nature. Activities like exercise, household maintenance, cooking, and gardening fall into this category. These tasks often involve repetition—cutting the grass today means it will need cutting again soon—but they ground us in the present moment and provide an immediate sense of accomplishment. When we engage in mindful movement, we experience the satisfaction of immediate value and the deep connection to our physical existence.
Creative doing involves projects where both process and outcome matter. Whether painting, woodworking, coding, or problem-solving, this type of activity allows us to engage deeply, fostering flow and satisfaction. It is not merely about productivity but about immersing ourselves in creation, enjoying the act itself as much as the result.
Impactful thinking emphasises our connection with others and our influence on the world. It may involve mentoring, engaging in meaningful discussions, participating in community initiatives, or driving positive change. This element satisfies our need to contribute beyond ourselves, reinforcing our role in a larger social or intellectual landscape.
Finding meaning through balance
Studies have shown that engaging in varied types of activities significantly impacts well-being. Different activities stimulate different neural pathways and satisfy distinct psychological needs.
Take gardening as an example. If you’re simply maintaining a lawn, that’s Mindful Movement. Designing a flower garden involves creative doing, while setting up a community vegetable plot incorporates impactful thinking. Though each activity involves plants, the way we engage determines its deeper meaning and fulfilment.
Scientific studies affirm that repetitive physical tasks can reduce anxiety and improve clarity, reinforcing the benefits of mindful movement. Creative engagement has been linked to enhanced problem-solving and emotional well-being. Meanwhile, social participation and purpose-driven actions correlate with greater life satisfaction and longevity.
Recognising and addressing imbalances
Dissatisfaction often signals an imbalance among these elements. When one aspect dominates while others are neglected, we may feel disconnected, stifled, or adrift.
A lack of mindful movement may leave you feeling ungrounded, disconnected from your body or surroundings. A deficiency in creative doing could manifest as frustration or a sense of stagnation. If impactful thinking is missing, you might question your broader purpose or feel isolated from meaningful dialogue and contribution.
Different life stages bring unique challenges in maintaining balance. Young professionals may struggle to juggle work and personal well-being. Mid-life individuals might seek reinvention, wondering if they are making a meaningful impact. Those approaching retirement often question how to find purpose beyond their careers.
To restore balance, consider these questions:
- When did you last lose track of time while creating something?
- How connected do you feel to your physical environment and well-being?
- Where do you see your influence making a difference in others’ lives?
- What activities make you feel most alive and engaged?
Restoring balance and overcoming obstacles
The key to addressing these imbalances lies not in achieving perfection in all areas, but in ensuring sufficient engagement in each.
For instance, if you’re lacking mindful movement, you might start by dedicating time to cooking or gardening. If creative doing is missing, you could begin a project where the process itself brings joy – whether that’s crafting, writing, or problem-solving at work. For impactful thinking, consider how your skills and interests could benefit others or the world at large.
Remember, balance doesn’t mean equal time or expertise in all areas. Someone might find great satisfaction spending most of their time in creative doing, while maintaining sufficient engagement in mindful movement and impactful thinking to feel grounded and connected. The right balance is personal and may shift over time.
Challenges like time constraints, energy levels, and social expectations can make this difficult. The key is not necessarily finding more time but incorporating these elements into daily life. A morning walk can serve as mindful movement, a work project can incorporate creative doing, and meaningful conversations can cultivate impactful thinking.
Adapting these practices to your current life circumstances is essential. If high-energy activities feel overwhelming, gentle alternatives like light gardening can provide the same benefits. If large creative projects seem daunting, small, manageable tasks can still spark joy. Similarly, engaging in meaningful discussions—even informally—can satisfy the need for intellectual and social connection.
Creating lasting satisfaction
Achieving balance among these elements fosters what I call ‘relaxed readiness’ – a state of feeling grounded, capable, and prepared to meet life’s challenges. True satisfaction doesn’t come from chasing happiness but from meaningful engagement with all aspects of life. It builds resilience, providing a sense of control not through rigid perfectionism, but through thoughtful participation in what truly matters.
By regularly assessing and adjusting our engagement in these areas, we can guide ourselves toward greater contentment. Instead of endlessly seeking happiness, we cultivate something deeper—a lasting sense of satisfaction that comes from a life well-lived. The goal isn’t to master all three elements equally but to consciously integrate them in a way that creates a rich, fulfilling existence.
Stephen Bruyant-Langer has over 30 years’ experience as a top executive coach and leadership expert and he is also the founder of The Personal Business Plan.
Stephen has also authored two best-selling books titled ‘Your Next Career’ and ‘The Existential Playbook – How to Survive, Live and Thrive’.
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