112 Can drive and contentment coexist?

You’ve got drive. Things to do and people to see. Yet, is it possible to possess drive and contentment at the same time? We explore that in this episode.

This week’s Inspire Me quote is from the Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:12-13):

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

In this episode, Leary and Armin talk about the causes of discontent and suggest we identify it in our own lives by:

• Asking ourselves, “What is persistently dissatisfying?” and “What am I thinking when I’m dissatisfied?”
• For each, asking, “Am I happy when the opposite is true?” 
• For each, identifying what could be reframed or what actions could be taken.

Leary and Armin also offer three steps that we can take to strengthen contentment:

1. Play our part. Keep in mind that we are a part of something bigger.
2. Inventory our blessings. Increase our awareness of what we’ve already been given.
3. Cultivate our patience.  Take the long view.

Quotes from the show:

• “A lot of times, [discontent] comes from a lack of recognition and you want the recognition.” —Armin
• “Where it goes sideways is when that desire for recognition subtly morphs into a need for validation—when we need other people to say we’re okay or we’ve got it or we’re somebody.” —Leary
• “The Apostle Paul demonstrates yes, you can have that energy and at the same time be at peace.” —Leary
• “Never stop asking that question—’What are you going to be when you grow up?’—otherwise you stop listening and you stop asking.” —Leary
• “[The difference] between someone who is ambitious and driven is: [a driven person is] willing to put it on paper and bring people around them and let the world know, ‘This is what I’m striving for.’” —Armin
• “[Discontentment] makes everything really big. […] It makes our problems appear larger than they really are and it makes us feel worse than we really are.” —Leary
• “Contentment is a sense of satisfaction.” —Armin
• “You have a part to play, but yours isn’t the lead role.” —Leary

This week’s Challenge Me:

Be honest with yourself: are you more ambitious or driven? If you’re ambitious, ask yourself the hard question: What validation am I seeking from others? If you’re driven and discontent, examine your discontent and take a small step in each area.

What do you think of this topic and episode? Share your comments or questions below.