I think there is a big difference between what sustains you and what fulfills you. And if you’re not minding both, then you probably feel unbalanced or out of whack.

If something sustains you, then that means it allows you to continue in your current state. (def: to keep in existence; maintain).

If something fulfills you, then that means it lifts you up, inspires and brings fresh life into you. (def: bring to completion or reality).

If you do things that fulfill you, you will experience peaks and valleys in your level of growth and satisfaction. With each fulfilling experience, you will feel a peak in your emotional satisfaction. It brings a sense of achievement and completion. How many ups and downs depends on the frequency — how often you do something that fulfills you.

If you do things that sustain you, you will experience more of the same — the ability to keep going and keep enjoying a steady level.

If you do both (activities that fulfill you and sustain you), then your satisfaction level continues to increase.

So the question’s worth asking here are:

When you look at the three images above, what kind of life do you want to have? (There really is no right answer here — you have the power to choose. Choose wisely.)

What fulfills you?

What sustains you?

Is your life the way you want it? If not, what adjustments need to be made, either in what fulfills you, what sustains you, or both?

Action plans don’t have to be fancy, you know.  You don’t need the multi-page excel spreadsheet with formulas and graphs and tons of data. Your action plan could be as simple as a 3×3″ sticky note with 3 reminders on it, stuck to your computer or bathroom mirror (or both).

You can do this. Go for it.