Fulfillment is relative to the balance you have in giving energy and attention to yourself, as well as to others, or a purpose greater than yourself. If you spend too much time focused on just yourself you’ll get depressed, feel down and your consciousness will be directed towards questions like: “What’s in it for me?” Or “What do I get out this?”
If you’re too focused on others you’ll find that you’ll eventually burn yourself out and so you need a good balance of the two.
Balance doesn’t necessarily come in for the from of giving equal time to either one, you’ll know when you reach a balance because you’ll feel energised, worthfull, light, generous and even, dare I say, happy?! 
We are all different so find a balance that’s good for you, contribute to others whilst remembering to give something back to yourself too.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Another perspective – forget the balance, that like the score in any game. Being energy aware is the key, I think you know.
Managing who you are (energy, learning, relationship, serving – and so on) and having fun in the process – is energizing.
Forget the scorecard. (You think?)
Twitter: amitsodha
March 20, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Absolutely John, I couldn’t agree more! In many ways, that’s exactly what I was trying to convey when I spoke about time, there’s no need to count because you’ll feel and know when you’re in balance!
Amit