Fulfillment… what is that? I thought it was all about success!
Aug 31, 2021
Back in 2013, I had my first encounter with the concept of fulfillment. I had finished my 5 years bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and I had moved to Houston, Texas to work in a Fortune 500 Oil & Gas company. I had graduated with a 3.8 GPA, plenty of leadership and community services roles, and 5 internships in the industry. During those 5 years in college, I was completely committed and focused on achieving those goals. Even though I was continuously driven to be in leadership positions in the clubs I was part of, I took that as a hobby and a way to contribute to other people and different organizations. I didn't have an idea that contributing, helping people, and helping them grow was going to become my biggest obsession a few years later. My main focus was to finish school, get a reputable high-paying secure job, be able to help my mom financially, have a family, and live happily ever after. In the end, I thought that was what success was about. I was perceived as having a very successful career at that time.
Well... let me tell you, perceived success is not the same as fulfillment. Success is a science, you model a successful behavior, you follow that recipe, and sooner or later you'll get what you have worked for. Now, fulfillment is an art that we must master. It requires more internal effort and it requires for all of us to be honest with ourselves and to immerse our mind, body, and spirit in authenticity.... to be truthful to our hearts. "Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure" (Tony Robbins). In school and probably at home we have been taught to follow success, I never thought about fulfillment as an element of my life. I was completely committed to getting a job that paid a six-figure salary to be able to provide financially for my family. I was born in Cuba and my mom left and sacrificed everything she had for me to have the future that I would have never had back there. I wanted to succeed in our American Dream and so I did... at least from an outside perspective. After getting what I put all my focus on, I realized that I was not fulfilled. I then told myself: there has to be a higher purpose... this is not my story, I was born to help, to contribute, to live in joy, and help others do the same! I just had this feeling, and at that moment I didn't know anything else. This was what my heart was telling me.
After starting my first job, my mom and I decided to go back to Cuba (where I was born) and visit our family after 12 years of not seeing them, it was long due! During my stay with my family, my uncle started telling me about all the Tony Robbins books he was reading and about studying Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), and meditation for several years. It was my first time hearing about all of this but something energized me to continue discovering this path. What are the chances that my uncle living in Cuba, whom I hadn't seen in 12 years, would introduce me to Tony Robbins, NLP, Meditation, and overall personal development??? It's crazy! All of these things he had mentioned never went through my mind before, but I do believe in signs and this was one. This was the beginning of my authentic journey, of my purpose... I believe that life doesn't happen to you, life happens for you!
After coming back home I started to develop an obsession for understanding my behaviors, values, beliefs, and how I can help others do the same... to live life on their terms.
The first book that I read was Tony Robbin's "Unlimited Power" and after that, I've read hundreds of them. During my 8 years Corporate career, I used my vacation and my free time to attend seminars, practice, learn, and connect with people that are hungry for growth! I have been trained by Tony Robbins on Personal Development/ Strategy, John Maxwell on Leadership, and Dr. Matt James on NLP. I have decided not to settle for less than what I and others deserve. I have ups and downs like anybody else, I have felt completely unfulfilled in the past but I've made a decision: I live my life for a higher purpose, to contribute, help and impact people's lives. When your WHY is bigger than yourself, you will find the strength to thrive. It is our right to live a fulfilled life.
Love, contribute, grow.
PS: The pic above is of my uncle and me in Cuba when I was 7 years old. He has been the person that has influenced me the most in the Art of Fulfillment.
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