How to Identify the Activities that Bring You True Joy and Fulfillment

Not so long ago, I decided to quit my dream job. I didn’t get along with my boss. And it wasn’t bringing me any fulfillment. That got me thinking… if I enjoy working in the film industry, why don’t I enjoy working at this place as much?

It hit me like a lightning bolt. Even though I liked working in the film industry, I didn’t love it. So, what’s the difference between liking something and loving something? What’s the difference between enjoyment and fulfillment, then?

That’s what brought me to today’s blog post. In order to find an answer we need to find the definition of “like” and “love” under this context:

What’s the Definition of “Like”?

In the context of activities and hobbies, “like” typically refers to an activity that one enjoys or finds pleasurable. It may be an activity that is fun, entertaining, or relaxing, but it may not necessarily be something that one is deeply passionate about or committed to for the long-term. In general, liking something involves a positive feeling or preference for a particular activity, but it may not be as intense or meaningful as loving something.

What’s the Definition of “Love”?

In this context, “love” typically refers to an activity that one is deeply passionate about and committed to for the long-term. It may be an activity that brings a sense of purpose or fulfillment, and that one is willing to invest significant time, effort, and energy into pursuing. Loving something often involves a deep emotional connection and a sense of personal significance or meaning. It can be a driving force in one’s life and may even become a core part of one’s identity.

How to Identify the Activities You Love and Give You Fulfillment

Now that we have found a definition for “love” and one for “like.” We may try to separate the things we love from things we like. Here are some tips for identifying the activities you truly love:

Pay attention to your emotions: When you engage in an activity that you truly love, it’s likely that you’ll feel a sense of joy, excitement, and fulfillment. Pay attention to how you feel when you’re doing different activities, and notice which ones bring you the greatest sense of positive emotion.
Reflect on your values: Think about what’s important to you in life, and consider how different activities align with your values. If you value creativity, for example, you may find that activities like painting or writing are especially fulfilling for you.
Experiment with new things: Don’t be afraid to try new activities and hobbies. You may discover a new passion that you never knew existed. Make a list of activities you’ve always been interested in but haven’t tried yet, and set aside some time to explore them.
Consider your strengths: Think about the activities that come naturally to you and that you excel at. It’s possible that these activities align with your passions and may be an indicator of what you truly love to do.
Notice what you lose track of time doing: When you’re engaged in an activity you truly love, it’s easy to lose track of time. Notice which activities you can spend hours doing without even realizing it. This can be a good indication that you’re truly passionate about the activity.
Reflect on your past experiences: Think back to times in your life when you felt most fulfilled and engaged. Consider the activities that were involved in those experiences and whether they may be something you could pursue again in the future.

The Big Differences Between Like and Love

Perfect, we now know how to identify the things we love. But what about those we like? Is it really love? How may we draw that thin line between one or the other?

Level of commitment: Activities that you love often require a higher level of commitment and investment than activities that you simply like. When you truly love an activity, you’re willing to devote significant time, effort, and energy to it, even when it’s challenging or difficult.
Sense of purpose: Activities that you love often give you a sense of purpose or meaning beyond just enjoyment. You may feel that the activity has a greater significance or that it aligns with your values or goals in life.
Emotional connection: Activities that you love often evoke a strong emotional response, such as a sense of joy, excitement, or fulfillment. You may feel a deep emotional connection to the activity, and it may be something that brings you a sense of comfort or solace in difficult times.
Long-term commitment: Activities that you love are often something you can see yourself doing for the long-term, even if you experience challenges or setbacks. You may have a vision or goal for the activity that extends beyond just short-term enjoyment.
Personal growth: Activities that you love may help you grow and develop in meaningful ways. You may learn new skills, gain new insights about yourself, or develop a greater sense of confidence or resilience.

E.g. When I find myself working on websites, time flies by. I’m engaged and I don’t mind coming across obstacles. On the contrary, obstacles only make me want to work harder and find better and newer solutions to the problems I face. At my last job, I found myself enjoying work when things went well, but as soon as problems started to arrive, I felt stressed and started to resent the work I was doing. This only ment one thing, I liked working at this place, but I didn’t love it.

The Benefits of Doing What You Love

Last, but not least. Why may we choose to follow our hearts and do the things we love instead of the things we just like? Is there really a difference? Does it have a positive impact on our lives?

Here’s a small list of all the positive things we may find if we choose to follow our hearts and do the things we love:

Increased happiness and fulfillment: Doing what you love can bring a sense of joy and fulfillment to your life. It can be a source of happiness and satisfaction, and can help you feel more positive and optimistic about life in general.
Sense of purpose: Pursuing activities that you love can give you a sense of purpose and direction in life. It can help you feel that you’re doing something meaningful and important, which can be especially valuable during challenging times.
Improved mental and physical health: Engaging in activities that you love can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and can help you feel more energized and motivated.
Increased creativity: Pursuing activities that you love can stimulate your creativity and imagination. It can help you think more deeply and creatively about different aspects of life, which can be beneficial in both personal and professional contexts.
Greater sense of identity: Doing what you love can help you develop a greater sense of identity and self-awareness. It can be a way to express your unique interests, values, and talents, which can help you feel more confident and authentic.
Improved relationships: Pursuing activities that you love can also help you connect with others who share your interests and passions. This can lead to new friendships and social connections, which can be a source of support and encouragement.

Does this mean that by reading this article and learning the differences between “like” and “love” that you as a reader are supposed to figure it all out instantly and find fulfillment in a matter of minutes? Short answer, no. Figuring this out will take time, but being aware of these signs might help you find your true passion more easily.

Overall, doing what you love can have many positive benefits for your life and well-being. It can help you feel happier, healthier, and more fulfilled, and can lead to personal and professional growth.

By considering these factors, you can begin to distinguish between activities you like and those you love. While liking an activity is certainly enjoyable, loving an activity can bring a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Like always, until next time,
Danny Bribiesca