Many of us would associate contentment with happiness. There are even some dictionary definitions that mention happiness with contentment. I think the true meaning goes deeper than just an emotional response in the moment. When I think of contentment, I think about peace, acceptance, and joy.
Contentment is more about perspective than possessions. It’s about an honest internal assessment rather than an unhealthy external comparison. Contentment is about finding peace in the seemingly mundane aspects of life rather than constantly seeking the mountaintop experiences.
Why do so many of us struggle with finding contentment?
I don’t know if I can answer the question, but I can share some thoughts on how to move more toward a life of contentment. One can experience peace and joy while still seeking to grow, develop, and pursue new things. I firmly believe that one can be content and still have goals. I hold fast to one being content and still seeking to advance and reach their potential.
Here are a few concepts to consider as you seek contentment:
- Identity matters. You determine your identity. It shouldn’t be determined by someone else’s thoughts or comments. Who you are becoming is not the same thing as what you are achieving. You must know who you are before you can begin to understand and experience contentment.
- Lifestyle matters. You need to live your life, not someone else’s life. Once you know who you are and have a clear understanding of your identity, you can seek a lifestyle that both supports that identity and is supported by the resources available to you. Your life plan doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s plan. The key is to have a plan that works for you. Remember, your present circumstances don’t determine where you go, they merely determine where you start.
- Habits matter. What changes do you need to make in your life to move you toward the person you want to become? What does that type of person do? What is hindering you from becoming that person? What do you need to walk away from? You likely need to make some changes. Are you willing to move forward whether it’s toward something or away from something else? To crave the result, but not love the process (inputs of your life) is to guarantee disappointment.
- Consistency matters. Any time we make a bold move in our life, we approach it with great intensity. Sometimes that works, but many times it fades, and the result is short-lived. I would encourage consistency over intensity. Take small steps and build momentum. Set short-term goals and experience some quick wins. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself for immediate success.
Some would say those are the same steps toward personal growth, life change, or team development. I would agree wholeheartedly. I speak on these steps, write about these steps, and encourage others to consider these steps for all those reasons. I also consider these steps to be keys to contentment.
The mystery behind all those items starts with a clear understanding of who we want to become (identity), identifying a process to live by that we find joy in (lifestyle), recognizing the key inputs in our life that will lead us down the right path for us (habits), and finally committing to the compounding power of moving in the same direction (consistency).
Struggling with contentment? It’s not a mystery that you can’t solve. Start internally and build from there!
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