Contentment is great, Stiving is better, Combined they are Glorious!

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A Dichotomy or a Duality?

Strive happy. Those powerful words from Brendon Burchard struck me to my very core. They compelled me to confront my deepest beliefs. Strive happy? What does that even mean? If I’m already basking in happiness and comfort, why on earth should I strive for more? And if I yearn for something greater, doesn’t that imply I am dissatisfied with my current life? Surprisingly, the answer is a resounding no!

You can have a listen to this talk by Brendon Burchard himself here – You Can Strive Satisfied | Brendon Burchard.

Let’s unpack this – Is it possible to find a balance between contentment without compromising on striving? The answer is – with Gratitude and the right Attitude yes, it is possible. Striving satisfied is not a dichotomy to struggle with. It’s a duality of growth, two sides of the same coin. You can be grateful for what you have and still nurture your desire to grow and achieve.

Striving Satisfied

  • Contentment – Is appreciating what you have
  • Striving – Is the drive to achieve more
  • Dichotomy – is a clear-cut division between two opposing ideas
  • Duality – is the idea that two opposing aspects can coexist within a single entity or system.

Contentment or Stagnation?

Contentment is being happy with what you have right now which is great – it brings us peace and gratitude. An attitude of contentment encourages us to find joy in the simple things and the simple moments in life. The problem with too much of it is that it can lead to stagnation. When we are completely satisfied with where we are we stop challenging ourselves. This can lead to missed potential, comfort zone trap and lack of motivation.

Avoid the trap of Over-Striving

Striving is an incredible quality! It fuels innovation progress and transformation, not just for the individual but society as a whole. Every breakthrough in science technology and art comes from people who refuse to settle pushing boundaries to create something better. On the flip side, a life focused purely on striving can be exhausting. Always chasing the next goal, the next achievement, or the next milestone is tiring. When striving is not balanced by contentment it can lead to never feeling good enough. With excessive ambition, happiness is always a moving target.

Yin and Yang

pendant with jewels on wall

A fulfilling life is like a coin, contentment and striving being the two sides of the coin. The key is not to see them as opposites but as complementary forces. Like Yin and Yang.

  • Contentment grounds us in gratitude allowing us to feel happiness in the present; being thankful for what we have today.
  • Striving keeps us growing ensuring we don’t settle when we have the potential for more!

Happiness meets Hustle: How to strike the balance

  1. Define Your Core Values: Discover what truly matters to you. Contentment comes from aligning your actions with your core values. Ambition thrives when driven by a purpose that resonates with these values.
  2. Practice Daily Gratitude: Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for – both “good” and “bad”.
  3. Avoid Comparison Traps: Focus on your own journey. Don’t compare yourself to others as this creates a sense of lack. Instead recognizing how far you’ve come creates a sense of abundance.
  4. Invest in Self-Care: Replenish your energy and mental clarity with activities that nurture your well-being. You can feel contentment today, by looking after yourself.
  5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge when you completed a milestone however small. Give yourself a pat on the back! Pause and honor your growth!

A Personal Reflection: Striving and Gratitude on the Mat

photo of woman in orange tank top and black pants striking a yoga pose outdoors

For me, yoga is where I find the perfect harmony between contentment and striving. When I step onto my mat, it’s about moving with my breath and being present in my body. I’m constantly amazed—and deeply grateful—for how capable our bodies are! Each stretch, pose feels like a celebration of what my body can do in this moment.

Yet, there’s also an invitation to grow—a gentle push to reach a little farther, hold a little longer, or sink a little deeper. In those moments, nothing else matters. There’s no rush toward a finish line; there’s simply gratitude for the now and openness to what’s possible.

Think about it

“What is your version of striving satisfied? What activity, practice, or mindset allows you to savor the present while reaching for the future?”

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