The Value of Contentment

Set a lofty goal for yourself? Dissatisfied with where you are right now? Read on.

The Value of Contentment

Due to the tendency of the American mentality to "make it big" and outshine the competition, no matter what the cost, contentment is an underappreciated state of mind. Coupled with the mindfulness movement, contentment is a critical element in reaching happiness "in the moment."

From childhood, we are constantly exposed to the flash and fame of sports stars, rock stars, and financial whizzes. They have eyes on them, but little real examination is done of their inner state of mind. Are they happy? Are their relationships fulfilling? What are they doing for someone other than themselves?

We hear about their status in the sports draft, their RBI's, and their healthy bank accounts. Little testimony is given by their spouses and families to back up their accomplishments. The few who "give back" are often celebrated, but they only represent less than 1% of their peer group. What's the story with the other 99%? Was it fame and power that they sought, or strictly the money itself ? How do they feel now?

This is where contentment comes into play. When poor, achieving a certain financial or sports goal was recognized. Upon reaching that goal? Then what? Just move the goal posts a little further down the road. Driving ambition can be a good thing if managed properly, but enviable goal accomplishment should be a goal in itself.

Sports stars can celebrate their innate ability and then the fine tuning through participation and hard work. Financial success can be defined by something other than more, more, more. Try "How many?" How many lives have been improved, how many individuals trained and employed? How many raises would that year end bonus finance? Scholarships for employee's kids is an investment in the future and in employee loyalty and appreciation. Deposits to an already stuffed bank account satisfies little apart from personal greed.

Contentment can be defined as setting a goal, however it is defined, striving for it, and reaching it, then celebrating its accomplishment. All these stages and elements can stand alone in themselves: setting, striving, reaching and celebrating. All along the way there is the element of experiencing satisfaction. If the journey is the destination, we can say we have arrived, no matter where we are on the continuum.

Shine the spotlight on the here and now. Revel in this step on the journey. Fill your heart with contentment and the realization that everyday can be a celebration of success.

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Comments, personal stories? Send them to Karenmac1999@hotmail.com. They are welcome!