Shifting from Bigger to Fuller

In my twenties, I was always on the lookout for the next big adventure. I had an adventurous spirit—forever exploring new hiking trails, tackling challenges, and setting ambitious goals. Each year, I’d plan a special outdoor escapade to celebrate another year of good health. Whether it was climbing a mountain or visiting an exotic destination, I loved pushing my limits. It was a thrilling yet exhausting ride!

But life has a way of reshaping priorities and bringing new joys into the mix. I was laid off suddenly and needed to reimagine what my next step would be. In the heart of the waves of the known, I found moments of peace to reconnect with myself. It felt like I discovered a new rhythm I didn’t even know I was missing.

These calm, unhurried moments became a beautiful balance to my ambitious side. They offered a type of fulfillment that no mountain peak or travel stamp could ever compete with. It was a joyful revelation: life doesn’t have to be grand to hold meaning. In fact, some of the most memorable experiences were the little, everyday moments that often slipped by unnoticed.

The Trap of “Bigger is Better”

There’s this belief that happiness comes from constantly aiming higher. I used to subscribe to that notion wholeheartedly. My career, my hobbies, and even my celebrations were all about going bigger, faster, and further. And while there’s nothing wrong with ambition or chasing dreams, I began to realize that it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters when you’re always chasing the next milestone.

I remember having a conversation with a highly successful colleague. He had everything on paper—money, prestige, the fast cars, the fancy vacations—but he admitted something surprising. Despite all the external success, he still felt an underlying sense of dissatisfaction. His life had become a constant pursuit of more—more money, more promotions, more excitement—but it wasn’t making him any happier.

It struck a chord with me because, in a way, I had been living that way too. I was focused on “achieving” life, rather than simply enjoying it.

Living a Fuller, Not Bigger, Life

Over time, I’ve come to see that there’s a difference between living bigger and living fuller. Bigger means constantly striving for more, while fuller means appreciating what you already have. Fuller is about balance—finding joy in the quiet moments, the daily routines, and the things that bring lasting happiness.

For me, that shift happened when I realized that the joy I found in simple, everyday experiences—like baking banana bread with my mom, or sending a text to an old friend. I did eventually find a new job, but I decided to keep my new morning routine and make time for the little things. I knew that would ultimately help prevent burn out and give me a sense of normalcy in case things got shifted again. Though I still love going out on adventures I now make time for smaller joys.

Embracing the Simple Joys

The funny thing is, once I stopped chasing bigger moments and started focusing on what made my life fuller, everything felt more rewarding. It wasn’t about accumulating more experiences, but about savoring the ones I was already having.

Now, when I think about happiness and fulfillment, I realize that they come from a mix of both ambition and presence. The key is finding a balance between pushing yourself and appreciating the everyday.

Key Takeaways for a Fuller Life

  1. Appreciate the small moments: Don’t overlook the joy that comes from simple, everyday experiences. Often, these are the moments that bring the most fulfillment.
  2. Balance ambition with presence: It’s great to have goals and dreams, but don’t let them overshadow the present. Find a way to pursue your ambitions while staying grounded in the now.
  3. Find your rhythm: Everyone’s version of a full life is different. For me, it’s quiet mornings and outdoor adventures. For you, it might be something entirely different. The important thing is to discover what fills you up and make space for it.
  4. Live fuller, not bigger: Bigger achievements aren’t always the answer to happiness. Sometimes, living a fuller life means focusing on what you already have and being present in those moments.

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