Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, even though you’re doing all the ‘right’ things? I have. Over the past decade, I’ve explored different Self-help ways to cultivate true fulfillment and good psychological wellbeing —not just as a psychologist, but also as a person trying to live well.
I don’t share these insights because I have all the answers, but because I value self-awareness, connection, and the ongoing process of becoming. These practices have helped me find clarity, joy, and fulfillment, and I hope they offer you inspiration for your own journey.
1. The Power of Writing & Journaling
Writing has been one of my most cherished practices throughout my growth. Journaling allows me to reflect, process my thoughts, and untangle my emotions. Over the years, I have found that putting my thoughts into words not only sharpens my thinking but also brings me closer to understanding myself. Journaling for mental clarity isn’t about writing perfectly—it’s about processing emotions and gaining self-awareness.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: Journaling doesn’t have to follow strict rules—just start writing in a way that feels natural. Grab a notebook, open a notes app on your phone, or use a journaling app. Write freely, without worrying about grammar or structure. It could be a few sentences a day or longer reflections when you have time.
2. Goals Setting: A Roadmap for Growth
I started setting annual goals 10 years ago, and while I initially struggled with reviewing them regularly, this practice has since become a cornerstone of my growth. Writing down my aspirations each year helps me stay intentional about the areas I want to develop. Over time, I’ve learned to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), which keep me accountable while allowing space for flexibility and self-compassion.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: Set aside time (even 10 minutes) to think about what you truly want to achieve. Start small—write down 2-3 meaningful goals for the next month. Use the SMART goal method to make them clear and actionable. Review your progress at the end of the month.
3. To-Do Lists: A System for Focus & Action
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your daily tasks or struggled to stay on top of priorities, creating structured to-do lists can be a game-changer. Since 5 years ago, I have embraced daily, weekly, and monthly to-do lists, and they have completely changed how I manage my time. This simple habit helps me prioritize what truly matters, minimize procrastination, and maintain momentum. I use these lists to stay on track with personal and shared goals, making progress feel tangible and rewarding.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: If long to-do lists overwhelm you, start by listing just 3 key tasks per day. Make sure you review the list, rather than leaving it behind—that is the key to improvement, not just writing the list itself.
4. Financial Wellbeing: Clarity & Balance
Money can be a source of stress or a tool for empowerment. For years, I avoided looking at my savings because I was afraid of what I’d see. I kept telling myself, “I’ll deal with it later.” But later never came—until I finally took control. From budgeting and savings tracking to wealth-building strategies like ISAs, I’ve gained a sense of financial clarity that allows me to balance enjoying the present while planning for the future. Improving financial wellbeing is about more than just budgeting—it’s about creating long-term security and peace of mind.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: Start by tracking your expenses for a week—this will help you see patterns. You can use a notebook, an Excel sheet, or budgeting apps (but choose one carefully based on your needs). Even small steps, like setting a savings goal or cutting one unnecessary expense, can make a difference.
5. Understanding My Personality & Social Identity
Self-awareness is a lifelong process. While I’ve always been curious about who I am, my deeper understanding of my attachment style, communication preferences, and personal values only solidified in my late 20s. Through self-work, self-reflection, and learning from relationships and my own life experiences, I’ve grown into a more assertive, empathetic, and confident version of myself. I invest in this work not just as a psychologist but as a human being who values meaningful connections.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: Take a self-reflection assessment, like the 24 Character Strengths survey, to understand what drives you. Observe how you interact with others and reflect on what energizes or drains you. Journaling about your daily interactions can also build self-awareness.
6. Nurturing Meaningful Relationships
Having lived in the UK for over 14 years as a migrant, I’ve experienced the ebbs and flows of relationships. People come and go, but I’ve learned that it’s not about how many connections we have—it’s about the depth and authenticity of the ones that truly matter.
Through this journey, I have valued relationships that bring meaning, understanding, and mutual respect. Prioritizing communication, emotional connection, and shared values has made all the difference in my relationships.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: Take a moment to reflect on the relationships that truly add value to your life. Send a message to a close friend or plan a catch-up call. Prioritize quality over quantity—meaningful relationships are built through small, consistent actions.
7. Expanding Myself Through New Hobbies
Life can become repetitive when we stop challenging ourselves. There has been a time when I realized that my life has become somewhat restrictive and stagnant: it’s just work, work, work. My routine had little room for curiosity, creativity or exploration. I felt a deep need for something new. To change that, I have started to consider doing something new to bring stimulation and a sense of breakthrough to my life. I started learning a new language. I still remember my first lesson - fumbling through basic words, feeling completely lost. I also made a conscious effort to overcome the reluctance to learn. But there was also excitement in the challenge. I was stepping into something new, and that felt invigorating.
The older we get, the more we need stimulation and creativity to help our brains stay active and young. Learning can stimulate our brains and push us outside our usual comfort zones. Pushing ourselves into new and unfamiliar spaces keeps our minds sharp and our spirits engaged. Growth happens when we embrace the unknown. I hope to reconnect with my creative side and push myself to more and more of the 'unknown yet fun' territories.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life:Think of something you’ve always wanted to try. Start small. If it’s a language, download an app or watch a short video in that language. If it’s a creative hobby, get a beginner’s kit and experiment without pressure.
8. Travel: Immersion in New Experiences
Travel has been one of the most enriching parts of my life. Whether it's trying new foods, immersing myself in different cultures, or capturing moments through photography, each journey expands my perspective and deepens my appreciation for life. Road trips with music playing in the background are my happy place - where adventure meets self-discovery.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: You don’t need a big trip to explore new experiences. Try visiting a new café in your city, taking a different walking route, or trying a new cuisine. Traveling starts with curiosity and openness, even in small, everyday choices.
9. Intersectionality Awareness & EDI Advocacy
Since 2017, I have been deeply committed to understanding and addressing social inequalities. I have started the self-work on reflecting on my different labels - race, gender, class, etc., and how their intersections place me in a particular social hierarchy across different contexts.
The ongoing reflections work has shaped my humility and empathy qualities. My awareness is fostered throughout this consistent self-work, and it has helped me connect with others in meaningful ways and contribute to diversity and inclusion efforts. I personally feel that my life has becoming more purposeful and meaningful as I uphold a clear value.
This passion has led me to pursue formal training in EDI (Eqaulity, Diversity and Inclusion), equipping myself with the knowledge to create a more inclusive and just space for others.
We all have a role in making the world more equitable. I believe in using my voice to contribute to that change, starting in my own personal circles and in my own experiences.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: Take time to reflect on your own identity and how it shapes your experiences. Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to diverse voices on race, gender, and social structures. Engage in discussions with others and challenge assumptions with curiosity. You can also check out my blog on 'the role of culture on mental health'.
10. Emotional Wellbeing & Expressiveness
Many of us were never taught how to navigate our emotions in a healthy way. We suppress, avoid, or distract ourselves. But real connection - both with ourselves and others - happens when we embrace our feelings. Emotional intelligence - Emotional regulation, expressiveness, and empathy are key skills we harness through age, not a quality we are given by birth.
Through my personal journey, I have learned that vulnerability, empathy, and emotional expressiveness are key to deeper relationships and self-acceptance. It has taken time, reflection, and the willingness for me to sit with uncomfortable emotions, before I truly understand them. My own journey has impacted on my professional interest to influence others in connecting more with their feelings and the inner selves. I want to continue to stay emotional and be able to influence others to do the same.
✅ How to Apply This in Your Life: Next time you feel a strong emotion, take a deep breath and name it instead of pushing it away. Write about it, talk to someone you trust, or express it through art or movement.
Final Thoughts: A Self-help Journey Worth Embarking On to Enhance Psychological Wellbeing and Fulfillment in Life
Fulfillment isn’t about perfection—it’s about being present in our own journey of self-growth. These 10 practices have helped me cultivate more balance, joy, and meaning in my life, and I hope they resonate with you too.
If these insights resonate with you and you’re looking for guidance in your own journey of self-growth, I’d love to help. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, struggling with emotional wellbeing, or simply wanting to feel more fulfilled, you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s continue this journey together—one step at a time, with curiosity, compassion, and courage.
Article written by Dr. Tiffany Leung
I'm UK-based chartered psychologist with 13+ years of experience in therapy, coaching, and self-development. Holding a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from the University of Manchester, I work within the NHS and offer private practice services, supporting diverse clients in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin to achieve emotional well-being and personal growth.
📩 Explore my services here - Let’s work together to create meaningful change.
Komentáre