Finding Your Own “Fulfilment Formula”
When you ask someone what truly makes them feel alive, most will point to their job goals and where they see themselves once they finally stop clock‑in‑clock‑out.
“On average, people spend about 90,000 hours of their lives churning out work,” says Stephen Lew, a positive‑psychology guru and founder of The School of Positive Psychology. “Everything else—energy, time, effort—is poured into that career jug‑pot.”
Lew explains that the accolades from coworkers and clients shape how they see themselves. “Your self‑worth becomes a mirror of your occupation,” he says.
Singapore’s Sweet Spot
Dr. Jade Kua, once an emergency‑room doctor, now coaches life in the city, argues that Singapore resonates with Lew’s view more than most places.
A friend from #HerWorldTribe reminisces about the 5Cs that swirled into every teenage dream: car, condo, credit card, country club membership, and cash. Those buzz‑words pop up on cheeky t‑shirts, yet Kua feels the chase for material things is still alive—even if most people keep it under wraps.
“Cash is a practical goal,” Kua points out. “Becoming financially free is fine, but letting money own your thoughts can blind you.”
Affluenza—The High‑Cost of “Rich” Minds
Lew coins this dilemma “affluenza”—a mix of social and psychological fatigue. “It’s great to aim for real objectives,” he says, “but tying your worth to wealth, status or career success—and believing a lack of those means failure—can break you inside.”
He notes that even the richest can feel hollow or deeply unsatisfied.
- Set concrete goals, yeah! But don’t let them become your whole identity.
- Money matters, yet it shouldn’t be the only measure of happiness.
- Remember, true fulfilment comes from being you, not just what you bring home.
A changing force
When Life Takes a Pause: How COVID‑19 Made Us Re‑Prioritize
When the world slowed down, our heads flew back to the truly essential. Suddenly, those fleeting moments we never thought important turned out to be the building blocks for the next chapter.
2020 vs 2012: The “Life‑Checklist” Re‑written
In the 2020 World Values Survey—surveying 80 countries—Singaporeans shifted their top bad‑guys from a job‑first stance to family, friends and money. Work dropped to #5. That’s a stark change from 2012, when 84.9 % still ranked work the 4th most important. Back in 2002, a whopping 90.8 % put it right at #2. The pandemic etched a new reality that balances differently.
We’re Sourcing Happiness in Unexpected Places
Dr Kua notes how people now turn the internet into a playground of tiny, creative joys—homemade muffins, breads and kombucha shoots up the feeds in wonder.
- DIY milk buns – the secret sauce of romance.
- Artisanal sourdough that explains why our calories count now.
- Fermented kombucha because nothing says “cheer” better than bubbles.
‘We’ve Been Hidden on a Wi‑Fi‑Private Plane’: The Pandemic & The Inner Flight
“The glasshouse is shattered,” says Lew. “Now, we have to decide whether we’re the driver or just the car’s passenger.” The pressure keeps people from quick fixes, nudging them inside for resources and self‑discovery.
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to More Than 80‑Year Longevity
Japan is the world’s longevity champion—women average 87 years, men 81. It’s not all gyoza and sushi; the cultural practice of ikigai (life’s purpose) also plays a role.
Unlike elsewhere, where people chase money or status, the Japanese focus on finding meaning in everyday deeds.
- Ikigai isn’t simply found—it is crafted.
- It gives you a compass, a clear direction, and a reason to smile.
- When you build your ikigai, you’ll start enjoying life more—and you’ll thrive with less stress.
So, whether you’re knee‑deep in a bakery feast or chasing your own purpose, the COVID‑19 pause reminds us: the most precious thing in life is living in your own meaningful way.
How to create your ikigai in the new normal
● Live an intentional life
Finding Your Ikigai: A Daily Adventure
Lim’s Take on Life’s Great Game
“The goal is just a means to an end, not an end in itself,” reminds Lim. “Your ikigai isn’t a destination or place you get to. It’s a living, breathing vibe you cultivate one decision at a time.”
- Think of it as a daily board game—each choice is a move that shapes the mood of your life.
- Commit over and over again, like your own reality‑show starring you.
“Just live that ikigai, one thought “at a time,” he says with a smile.
Ask yourself each morning: “How do I want to feel today?” Then decide what you’ll do to add that feeling to your day. It’s a simple recipe—one ingredient at a time.
● Refine your focus
Know Your Superpowers (and Use Them!)
Instead of spending every minute on your weak spots, focus on the talents that already light up your life. When you use your strengths on a daily basis, you’ll feel energized and get better results. Trying to fix every flaw most of the time will drain your battery and distract you from what you actually do best.
How to Spot Those Hidden Strengths
- Ask friends or coworkers to write down what they think you’re good at.
- Take an online strengths test—many are free and quick.
- Reflect on moments when you’ve felt “in the zone” or your ideas just flowed.
Why Your Strengths Deserve the Spotlight
Using your strengths boosts your energy and shows up in your performance. Think of it as a power-up: the more you practice it, the stronger you get. On the flip side, constantly fighting your weaknesses can sap your energy and leave little room to master the skills that actually matter.
Takeaway to Keep in Your Pocket
- Strong in the Stamina: Keep your strengths in practice.
- Weakness Woes: Wear them occasionally—don’t let them rule.
- Energy Boost: Stronger strengths = more natural energy.
- Performance Punch: Focus, practice, and watch the results roll in.
● Get into a state of flow
The best way is in living it out, rather than just introspection. “Identify events that bring you into total absorption until you lose track of time. These activities challenge your skills and reward the utmost satisfaction or sense of accomplishment,” says Lew.
It could be anything from sports to art to cooking, or simply creating something new, he says. And commit to consistent action. This may mean reworking your priorities or exploring new directions, but testing your life purpose in the real world will get you one step closer.
● Suspend judgment
What a Truly Fun Life Looks Like
Picture this: a life that feels like a big, warm hug from the universe – it’s either packed with meaning or bursting with joy, or some combo of both. And guess what? Who gets to draw that picture is entirely yours.
Quotes that Set the Stage
- Lim: “Once you find that job or hobby which gives you the most purpose, you can still be a family person or a spiritual soul. Just remember – if you let your self‑worth float only by your bank balance, you’ll be in a snag.”
- Lew: “We all have a blank canvas. You can copy someone else’s masterpiece, paint something you’re the only one who can truly appreciate, or just keep it clean and simple. The choice is yours, chef. You’re the one steering the ship, and that’s where fulfillment hides.”
How These Women Buddy Up With Ikigai
Two incredible women have found a recipe that makes everyday feel like a fresh pot of soup – warm, satisfying, and infinitesimally delicious.
- Balancing Act: Both embrace their careers as a strong pillar of purpose, yet they make room for family giggles and quiet meditation.
- Money? Not the Anchor: They keep their identity separate from their paychecks, believing that true worth is measured by the joy they create and the love they share.
- Personal Canvas: Whether they’re painting a familiar portrait or crafting a unique masterpiece, they let their personal vision guide them, proving that contentment lives in the creative freedom you grant yourself.
So next time you stare at that blank canvas, remember: you have the power to whichever adventure you want. Paint it, laugh at it, or simply hold it in your mind – the only rule is you decide how your life beats with purpose and joy.
Lyn Ng, wood artist and founder, Studio Mu Yu
I swapped a corporate paycheck for the scent of cedar and a dream in wood
Why I left the marketing world
Three years as a marketing exec was tidy, top‑tiered, and paid nicely. But all that buzz and deadlines left me craving a different kind of climb—one that felt grounded, literally.
Finding my groove in Taiwan
After a stint at a bustling corporate office, I packed my bags for Taiwan. There, I immersed myself in woodworking for half a year, learning how to breathe life into timber that had once been part of grand furniture designs. The workshop I joined operated on a sustainable model, turning discarded wood into fresh, new pieces.
Launching Studio Mu Yu
Back in Singapore, I began collecting splinters and scraps from local carpenters. These donated bits become the bones of Studio Mu Yu—a place where I forge wooden jewellery and bags that carry a narrative of their own. It’s not just about making something pretty; it’s about telling the story of the wood’s journey from old table to new treasure.
From tiny treasures to grand statements
- Start with a necklace – a single grain of story
- Scale up to a clutch that whispers the tales of carpenters
- Dream bigger: whole pieces that become living art
Ikigai: My daily dose of joy
I never set out on a “calling” quest; I simply fell in love with the act of crafting. Each day spent carving, sanding, and polishing brings a calm that feels almost therapeutic. It’s like a steady drumbeat of fulfillment that keeps the work exciting and rewarding.
Bottom line
Gone are the days of boardroom buzz; now it’s the soft crackle of wood, the smell of cedar, and the satisfaction of turning forgotten timber into stories that talk and walk. For me, that’s true happiness in motion.
Gauri Savadi, founder, Tragaur
From Classroom to Trails: My Unexpected Leap into Adventure-Driven Social Enterprise
Why I Actually Left the Comfort Zone
Working as a teacher at NTUC Child Care Centre felt like a dream: a steady rhythm, good pay, and a balance between home and work. Yet, there was always a little part of me that felt like a hamster on a wheel—running fast, but never truly reaching the end.
I grew up moving from town to town because of my dad’s job, so staying put felt like a bad joke. The next time I settled in, the next move was on the horizon. That restless flavor stuck with me, and I wanted more than just a neat paycheck— I craved adventure, purpose, and a chance to make a dent in the world.
Meet Tragaur: Adventure Meets Service
Tragaur isn’t a boring corporate buzzword. It’s a living, breathing idea that blends adventure with service. The mission is simple: bring people out of their comfy, predictable bubble and shove them into the wild, into activities that raise awareness and funds for causes that matter.
From weekend hikes to cross‑country treks, we organize community trips that do double duty: fun AND philanthropy. Participants experience the thrill of a new route while backpacking to support orchards, orphanages, or wildlife reserves. The more you give, the more you grow—both in spirit and in the world’s well‑being.
What We’re Doing (and How You Can Join)
- Hikes & Treks: From the local hills to the high jungle trails.
- Community Workshops: Teach kids, volunteer at shelters, or help protect endangered species.
- Fundraisers & Awareness Drives: Share your story and help the cause in fundraising events.
- Hands‑on Experience: Literally roll up your sleeves, whether it’s cleaning a playground or feeding farm animals.
The idea is simple—if you do something that makes a kind of difference, you become a better version of yourself. You get the chance to learn a new skill, meet people, and feel that winsome “It’s not just about me, it’s about all of us” vibe.
The Reality of Running a Social Enterprise
Let’s be honest: steering a social enterprise is not a walk in the park. People are used to a job that gives a fixed salary and a predictable routine. Convincing them to step into the unknown is tough. It feels like you have to be both a dream‑weaver and a practical accountant in the same face.
But if you are the kind that loves juggling a spreadsheet while narrating a story of a rescued cat or a sunrise trek, it’s all worth it. The real reward is hearing those priceless “Goodness!” moments from your crew: “I just climbed a tree!”, “I can’t believe I crawled through a canyon tunnel!”, or “Did I just walk 22km?” These are the life‑votes that keep me up at 3 am, crafting the next adventure.
Why It All Feels So Good
There’s something incredibly poetic about turning fear into bravery. I’m constantly on a mission to push people—my teammates, my volunteers, and even myself—beyond comfort into realms where they remember why they’re alive. Every trail, every hand‑shake, every shared laugh adds a node to the map of humanity.
When people walk out after a session, I feel it like a tidal wave: the world’s better in some small, perhaps unmeasurable way. That’s why I rise at dawn, hungry for the next journey. It’s not just about paving roads or building shelters; it’s about nurturing people and nature in a way that sparks a ripple of change.
This article first appeared in Her World Online, a platform dedicated to inspiring lives and minds alike. Dive in, get outside, and unleash the adventurer in you!
