''As long as anyone believes that their ideal and purpose
is outside them, that it is above the clouds, in the past
or in the future, they will go outside themselves and
seek fulfillment where it cannot be found. They will
look for solutions and answers at every point except
where they can be found--in themselves. '' Erich Fromm
is outside them, that it is above the clouds, in the past
or in the future, they will go outside themselves and
seek fulfillment where it cannot be found. They will
look for solutions and answers at every point except
where they can be found--in themselves. '' Erich Fromm
It really is an exercise in futility to try to find fulfillment or happiness or purpose outside of ourselves. Writer after writer, person after person, teacher after teacher have given us this truth, yet we still look for validation of ourselves outside of ourselves, ignoring the advice of those whose experience has taught them one of the most important lessons available to human beings. My personal fulfillment cannot come from my job performance or promotion or my material possessions or my relationships. My personal fulfillment can come only through a strong sense of self, a strong respect for myself, and a recognition of my amazing personal potential--and true efforts to reach that potential.
Until we truly believe this, though, we'll continue to look for fulfillment in things and people outside of ourselves, and in times apart from our present.
Our fulfillment is up to us, and us only. Only we can bring ourselves to a point at which we're at peace with who we are and what we're doing. Only we can find a space in which the things that happen around us don't bring us down or put us in a bad mood or frustrate us to no end.
You've already been given all the gifts and abilities you need to live a fulfilling and beautiful life. But are you looking for the treasure on some island somewhere far away, or are you mining the treasure in your heart and spirit?
Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment.
Anthony Robbins


