Contentment doesn’t mean you’re lazy or not interested in growth – in fact, it actually can fuel your growth. Being content will allow you to have grace with yourself, obstacles and others that can sometimes feel “in the way.” When you’re lazer focused on getting to the next goal, phase or destination it can feel challenging to appreciate the moments.
There’s a big difference between contentment and complacency when it comes to creating growth in your life. While both share a common element of comfort, they originate from very different places. Complacency comes from a place where change and the unknown is feared and seen as something to resist. Complacency may have you doing the bare minimum to qualify you to state that you’re “doing something”, yet not actually pushing yourself to change. Growth only happens when you embrace challenges with a mindset of hopefulness. Often growth is hindered because of fear of the unknown on the other side. So, even if you don’t like where you’re currently at, it’s still more familiar and comfortable than what you don’t know – leaving you stuck. It can feel hard to drive through that wall.
Contentment on the other hand, comes from a place where the hard work has already been done. You’ve pushed through the hard times, embraced the discomfort and the unknown to come out stronger on the other side. Even if you haven’t yet reached your end goal, it is possible to be content, while still striving for more.
It’s perfectly okay to be content!
Content means you are appreciating and enjoying the current stage you’re in. Often times it is the “I’ll be happy when…” statements that rob us of our happiness in our present moment.
Whether you’re growing in your personal life, professional life, your relationships, or your health, don’t let comfort lull you into complacency; comfort can be the enemy to success! Embrace the hard things, embrace the change, and you’ll find contentment in whatever your present moment circumstances look like and you will continue to grow.
Being appreciative of where you’re at right now it essential for growth in any area of your life, but that’s not to say that you want to stay in the space you’re in now forever. Have some grace with yourself, understand that obstacles and setbacks will come – that’s life! There is always something to be grateful for. Gratitude for exactly where you are right now will allow you to take on the appropriate attitude to propel you forward right now.
Growth, afterall doesn’t happen tomorrow or yesterday – it happens now. So, take a few deep breaths and remember how far you’ve come. If you’re complacent with mediocrity – it’s time to set a new goal. If you’re living in the future and not enjoying right now – it’s time to appreciate what you have and celebrate your health right now! Don’t let life pass you by.
Living life with intention and goals, doesn’t mean that you should negate the present moment. In fact, living with goals in mind that you’re striving for should be the fire that makes your moments sweeter (ohhh write that one down)! Afterall, living a healthy lifestyle encompasses all things mind and body – don’t let your focus on tomorrow rob your joy today.
Celebrate your wins. Embrace the losses. Sometimes we all lose, moments can be painful, and heck – life is hard! But, it’s also beautiful when we choose to have hope and goals for the future. Your growth is happening right now. Can you feel it? If not, it’s time to get attuned and observe your thoughts, feelings and sensations your body is speaking to you with.
The body never lies, neither does your mind. Are you listening?
