We all run from negative emotions, but they can provide just the wake up call we need…
Are you enjoying your life the way it is right now? Or is there a nagging feeling that “there’s got to be more than this”? Today we will explore the two extremes of frustration verses contentment, and how each can help you get what you want out of life.
Are you happy with where you are in your life today? If you had to rate your life on a scale of one to ten, what number would you choose? What would you do differently? What do you want that you haven’t yet attained? What problems need to be addressed sooner rather than later?
Are you fed up yet?
Life is like a roller coaster, with highs and lows. But our perspective is what really matters. Is your glass half full or half empty? And if you are really discontent with things, what are you going to do about it? No really… are you ready to put a stake in the ground and make a change ? Or will you let days and weeks pass without taking the steps necessary to get what you want out of life?
Sometimes we can be upset about things but not uncomfortable enough to change. When the pain of keeping things the same is greater than the work required to change things… or when we get FED UP, then we become motivated to do something different. But why wait until you’re miserable to improve things? Here is how you can use discontentment to your favor.
Choose contentment.
You can CHOOSE to be content with your life. It seems elusive, but it really is all about a shift in mindset. Paul found a way to be content and find value in his life, even from a prison cell. Are things that bad for you? Probably not. We all have problems, but we all have blessings too. Here are two keys to choosing contentment:
- Focus on the good. What’s good in your life? What makes you happy? Who are the people who make a big difference in your life? Count your blessings. As we all know, things could be much worse. If you haven’t done so before, consider keeping a gratitude journal. Each day write down 3-5 things you are grateful for.
- Don’t be a victim. Victim mentality is debilitating. If you identify with being a victim, you are choosing to give up your power. Are you in a bad relationship? Choose today to either invest in making it better, or walk away. Some choices are harder than others. If you CHOOSE to stay, then you CHOOSE to accept responsibility for your happiness by doing whatever you can to make that relationship succeed. If it’s already to late, don’t waste another moment of your life telling yourself the lie that you don’t have options, because I’m here to tell you from personal experience, YOU DO.
Choose yourself.
Then act on it. For example, are you in a job that you hate? Do you daily go through a litany of what others are doing to make it miserable for you? This is a powerless perspective. Are you doing everything in your power to make it a good experience? Or have you given up and don’t invest in doing your part? Maybe it’s just time to go. I believe that we spend too much time working to not have it be a good experience. If you are not happy with your current job and are not actively taking steps to get another one, then you are choosing to remain unhappy. Inaction is a CHOICE not to take action. Make a choice. Leave or stay. Only you know what’s best.
Finally – trust yourself. Sometimes deciding to seek contentment in a situation that is less than ideal can turn things around. Whatever your choice, own it, and shift your actions to follow suit. Check in with yourself 30 days later. I’d love to hear how it goes!
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE ACTION?
So what’s new for you? What are you creating this year? I’d love to hear what’s going on – it’s fun to connect beyond these e-communications. On the other hand, if you are struggling with something – hit me up. As you know I offer a free session, and sometimes that’s all you need to reset and think about next steps. Either way – please feel free to email me at tramsey43@gmail.com