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In This Edition of Remarkable Monday
A Cycle of Constantly Seeking More
As Thanksgiving fades into memory and we approach the end of 2024, it is the perfect time to reflect on the many things for which we can be grateful. Ambitious leaders and entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of perpetual dissatisfaction—a cycle of constantly seeking more, never fully savoring successes.
This concept, which I recently picked up during a sermon by Pastor Darius McClure, resonates deeply with many high achievers and finds parallels in psychological discussions about chronic dissatisfaction and toxic striving.
This relentless pursuit, often driven by comparison and unrealistic expectations, can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of fulfillment. Let’s dive in.
Disrupt the Cycle of Dissatisfaction
Gratitude offers a powerful antidote.
Research suggests that fostering gratitude can improve mental health, enhance relationships, and even boost physical well-being. When we pause to acknowledge our achievements and appreciate what we have, we disrupt the cycle of dissatisfaction and reconnect with our core values.
Psychologists have found that gratitude practices—such as journaling and mindful reflection—not only enhance our mood but also promote a sense of contentment that can counterbalance the stress of constant striving.
Critical Questions
So how can we take inventory of our gratitude and shift our focus? Start by asking yourself three critical questions:
Daily Gratitude: Do you regularly pause to recognize and appreciate the good things in your life?
Celebration of Wins: When you achieve a goal, do you celebrate, or do you immediately move on to the next challenge?
Comparison Habits: Are you focused on your own progress, or do you find yourself measuring your success against others?
Cultivate Gratitude
Here’s how you can cultivate gratitude as the foundation for your success:
Start a Gratitude Journal: Spend a few minutes each day jotting down things you’re thankful for. This practice has been shown to shift focus from what’s missing to what’s abundant.
Practice Mindful Appreciation: Engage in activities like gratitude walks, where you intentionally acknowledge the positive aspects of your surroundings and experiences.
Write Gratitude Letters: Express thanks to people who have positively impacted your life. This simple act can strengthen connections and elevate your own sense of fulfillment.
Celebrate Yourself: Take time to recognize your own achievements and the progress you have made. Acknowledging your growth fosters self-compassion and reduces the pressure of constant striving.
Reflect and Respond
As you adopt these habits, it’s also important to align your ambitions with what truly matters to you. Reflect on your core values and ensure your goals resonate with your authentic self, not external pressures or comparisons. Regularly revisit your objectives to confirm they are meaningful and aligned with your personal vision.
By practicing gratitude and aligning your pursuits with your values, you can embrace the wins, break free from the cycle of dissatisfaction, and end 2024 on a note of fulfillment and clarity.
Don’t forget! The strategies for resolving these challenges include the following:
Revisiting shared goals to ensure clarity and commitment.
Having open conversations about values, priorities, and expectations.
Being willing to let go of partnerships or strategies that aren’t aligned with your purpose.
Resources
Chronic dissatisfaction: psychology-spot.com
Toxic striving: simplypsychology.org
Benefits of gratitude: wsj.com
Gratitude exercises: positivepsychology.com
Practicing self-gratitude: self.com
If you are reading this far…
I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.
See you next week,
