In these times of financial and emotional turmoil, we have more questions than answers. What is success? How to find fulfillment? Many ask. The global financial meltdown has left everyone shaken. People wonder how they can raise their levels of satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Is money really the biggest factor in finding fulfillment? How is it possible for those with minimal assets to be happier than the rich? …questions, questions and more questions.

Some answers
We all work hard to put aside some savings. When we lose financial sustainability, we often question our success. That is because people generally measure success by your bank balance, your job title, the car you drive and the restaurants you frequent. All of these may be fleeting through no fault of your own. So is quality of life always dependent on financial success? No.
Fulfillment goes beyond accumulating wealth or status. In includes enjoying what you have – good health, friends, inner peace and spiritual development – all the while using your talents to contribute to the society. This is called spiritual sustainability.

Failure of success
Material success is important, but it may not be permanent. Despite the sweetness of success, material comfort and financial security have their own limitations.
In fact, one of the downsides of success – without the spiritual element that brings fulfillment – is stress, which can compromise good health and cause strained relationships.

Permanent solutions
Today, professionals whose careers are being sidetracked by downsizing and entrepreneurs whose ventures are losing money, ask me, how they can find a purpose in life. Whether they feel a deep inner void, or have the desire to rebuild a more permanent kind of sustainability, many are experiencing an impetus to make positive changes in their lives, in a way that will ultimately benefit others.
Spiritual sustainability, not money in the bank, brings permanent solutions to personal and global problems. After all, the Soul does not get affected by the stock market movements or the media headlines. Fortunately, one can work to achieve spiritual sustainability and fulfillment as well as success.

From success to fulfillment
How do you transform the knowledge and skills brought by success into the satisfaction that comes with fulfillment? History offers ample examples of men and women challenged by difficult circumstances. These people transmuted their success into a noble cause to uplift humanity and benefit the world. This is how they found fulfillment.

Spiritual sustainability
Like material success, spiritual sustainability comes through taking action. There are several masters, sages and spiritual teachers who are untouched by the world of chaos and turmoil. How can people achieve spiritual sustainability in chaotic times?
You can do this by getting rid of preoccupation to the non-essentials in life and not by ignoring the urgent and important things in life. Over concentration on fears, guilt, grief or anger only pulls you farther away from your goals. Negative thoughts and emotions slow you down and derail your progress.

Focus on fulfillment
Here are some tips recommended by experts:
    • Release pent-up emotions and negative thinking patterns
    • Build physical vitality. This helps overcome the negative effects of stress that are often a by-product of success. Learn some form of exercise.
    • Practice will-power development technique. They will help you boost your mental stamina and focus. You will achieve your goals faster as you will be able to pay more attention to daily tasks as well as your long term goals. You will develop the power that will keep you going no matter what.
    • Look for opportunities to be of service to others. This will increase your sense of usefulness and fulfillment.

As we look into the future, we believe that there are always new things that we can discover and experience in life to grow stronger and wiser with age. With spiritual sustainability, new heroes who embody spiritual maturity will emerge, willing to undertake the cause of evolution not for personal gain but for the betterment of humanity and the world.