7 Best Ways To Not Rely On External Things To Make You Feel Complete
In a world that often measures success and happiness by external markers such as wealth, love and relationships, and materialistic possessions, it can be easy to fall into the trap of depending on these things to feel a sense of completeness. It’s hard to deny the fact that external markers of success are subjective and can change with societal trends. What is considered successful or desirable today may not hold the same value or weight tomorrow, leaving individuals in a perpetual chase for an ever-changing ideal that defines them.
However, the truth is
that true fulfillment comes from within. That’s why we are about to explore the
pitfalls of external dependency and provide seven effective ways to build
internal resilience and happiness.
The Pitfalls of External Dependency
Disappointment can be
an inevitable consequence of relying too much on external sources for
validation. Whether it's seeking approval from others, depending on material
possessions, or chasing after worldly success, the quest for external
affirmation can lead to distress, depression, and anxiety. People may often
find themselves let down when the people or things they depend on fail to
provide the expected long-term comfort and satisfaction.
The pursuit of
materialistic goals can be particularly misleading. While accumulating wealth
and possessions may bring temporary joy, the emptiness may often return once
the initial thrill fades. Some individuals, overwhelmed by the unfillable void
within, resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or even
contemplate suicide as a desperate attempt to escape their inner turmoil.
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Toxic "Love" and Temporary Comfort
One common pitfall is
relying on toxic relationships for emotional fulfillment. Whether it's an
unhealthy attachment to a (familiar) partner or seeking constant validation
from family or friends, the consequences of over relying on others for
emotional well-being and support can be detrimental. True love and emotional
security come from within; external sources may provide temporary comfort but
rarely offer lasting fulfillment.
Keeping Up with the Joneses
The societal pressure
to keep up with the Joneses or compete with others to keep up with what they’re
doing or have can be overwhelming. Comparing oneself to others based on
external markers like wealth, success, and possessions is a recipe for
discontent. Understanding that true happiness doesn't come from external
achievements but from internal contentment is a crucial step towards breaking
free from this cycle of comparison.
In the age of social
media and hyper-connectivity, the temptation to compare one's life with curated
glimpses of others' successes is ever-present. It can be misleading and
deceiving. What you see may not always be an accurate depiction of someone’s
real life. Understanding that external benchmarks don't define one's worth is a
crucial realization. True fulfillment is a deeply personal and internal journey
that transcends the transient allure of societal expectations.
Learning and Building Effective Skills
To overcome the
pitfalls of external dependency, it's essential to focus on personal growth and
development. Learning and building effective skills can not only empower
individuals but also provide a sense of personal achievement that is
independent of external factors. Whether it's acquiring new knowledge, honing a
talent, or mastering a new skill, the journey of self-improvement contributes
significantly to internal fulfillment.
Crucially, the pursuit of personal growth shifts the focus from external validation to an internal locus of control. As individuals set and achieve personal milestones, the sense of fulfillment derived from these accomplishments can become a reliable source of motivation.
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Harnessing and Nurturing Your Power Within
True empowerment comes
from within. Nurturing the power within involves acknowledging one's strengths
and weaknesses, accepting imperfections, and embracing personal growth and
development. Cultivating a strong sense of self allows individuals to weather
external storms with resilience and grace.
A robust sense of self
serves as an anchor during external challenges, providing a stable core from
which individuals can face adversity with grace and resilience. It acts as a
shield against external pressures, allowing for a more authentic response to
circumstances.
Faith Without Works is Dead
While faith can be a
powerful source of inner strength, it's essential to complement it with action.
"Faith without works is dead" emphasizes the importance of actively
working towards one's goals. This combination of belief and action creates a
powerful force for personal transformation, allowing individuals to shape their
destinies rather than being passive observers of their lives.
Faith, whether
grounded in spiritual or personal principles, serves as the catalyst for
inspiration and motivation. However, its transformative potential comes to
fruition when individuals translate their beliefs into tangible actions. In
this dynamic interplay between belief and action, a potent force for personal
evolution emerges. The concept implies that faith is not a passive state but a
call to arms—an invitation to actively work on shaping one's destiny.
The synergy between
belief and action becomes a conduit for personal transformation. It propels
individuals from a state of mere contemplation to becoming architects of their
own lives.
Calling On Your Higher Power
For many, spiritual or
religious beliefs may play a significant role in finding internal peace.
Calling on a Higher Power can provide solace, guidance, and a sense of purpose.
Connecting with something greater than oneself can be a source of strength
during challenging times, fostering resilience and inner peace.
This
connection with The Divine also serves as a moral compass, offering a framework
for ethical decision-making and shaping one's understanding of the world. The
sense of purpose derived from spiritual or religious beliefs contributes
significantly to internal peace by grounding individuals in a broader context
and narrative that extends beyond the immediate challenges they may face.
Finding True
Fulfillment Within
In a world that often
encourages external validation, it's crucial to recognize the pitfalls of
depending too much on people and things for a sense of completeness. Breaking
free from the shackles of external dependency requires a conscious effort to
build internal resilience.
By acknowledging the
limitations of materialistic pursuits, avoiding toxic relationships, and
embracing personal growth, individuals can pave the way for lasting fulfillment
and pivotal moments of happiness. Learning effective skills, nurturing internal
power, combining faith with action, and connecting with a Higher Power can all
contribute to a sense of completeness that is not contingent on external
circumstances.
Conclusion
In the journey towards
self-discovery and inner fulfillment, it's important to remember that the power
to feel complete lies within each individual. By embracing these seven
strategies, one can cultivate a sense of contentment that transcends the
transient nature of external achievements and truly experience the joy of being
whole from within.
References
https://psychcentral.com/blog/stop-feeling-empty
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/i-feel-empty-how-to-overcome-feelings-of-emptiness-1112145/amp/