The Fulfillment Framework

I’m 12 years old and busier than ever. As a 6th grader, I play football, wrestle, show livestock, help coach the 5th-grade chess club, and still manage to spend time with my close friends. I can't imagine fitting any more responsibilities into my life.

I’m 14, and my schedule feels unsustainable. Between advanced placement classes, student council responsibilities, and now being elected as a Jr. FFA Officer, I’m sure life can’t possibly get any busier.

I’m 18, and I was just elected Oregon FFA State Treasurer. With three months to finish my senior project (which is required to graduate), my girlfriend's birthday this week (and I haven’t bought her a present), and a training trip the day after, I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities.

I’m 32, and my firstborn child is demanding I feed her. Her mother is taking her first 45-minute break since our baby was born, and I’m trying to send an email that should’ve been sent three days ago. Life is busy, but at this point, I know better than to believe it will slow down.

I’ve been busy for the majority of my life, but I haven’t always been fulfilled. Most of us find ways to keep our lives full, but only a small percentage of people actually find their lives fulfilling. Thankfully, there’s a practical framework for those of us looking to add fulfillment to an already packed schedule.

If you find that you’re constantly on the move but feel like life isn’t moving in any particular direction, try implementing the DWMY framework to create a more purpose-driven life.

The DWMY Framework

The DWMY framework draws from psychology and wellbeing research, encouraging us to implement a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly task to add fulfillment to our lives. By incorporating these tasks into your routine, you may notice a positive shift in your life.

Daily

While there are many important things to do each day, I believe the most crucial is moving our bodies for at least 30 minutes. Regardless of the weather, mood, energy level, or schedule, we should prioritize 30 minutes of physical movement every day. This could range from an intense CrossFit workout to a relaxing walk in the park.

Weekly

While phones are useful tools and necessary for modern productivity, they can also become an enemy of serenity. At least once a week, we should have one full hour without access to our mobile devices or any screens.

Monthly

It’s hard to pinpoint an exact number, but studies show that only 20-30% of Americans serve their local community in some way. Serving others can be a powerful reminder of the positive aspects of our own lives and can give us a sense of accomplishment by contributing meaningfully to the lives of others. Once a month, we should schedule time to serve those around us.

Yearly

Routine can be our best friend, but it can also lead us into stagnation. If time feels like it’s slipping away and life has become mundane, it might be time for a change. Once a year, we should take a risk that pushes us out of our comfort zone. This will look different for everyone, depending on how expansive their comfort zone is, but the benefits of risk-taking are proven. From building resilience and self-trust to reducing long-term regret, those who take risks tend to be more fulfilled.

It’s common to live a busy life, but are you fulfilled?

Fact

As of early 2025, only 44% of Americans report being "very satisfied" with their personal lives—the lowest percentage recorded since 2011.

Action

Choose one part of the framework (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly) and schedule the task to implement into your life.

Question

"Which area of your life feels neglected right now—and what small daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly habit could begin to restore it?"

Quote

"Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure." – Tony Robbins