The Art of Restless Contentment
“Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.”— Thomas A. Edison
Contentment is peaceful, not passive.
Be content with the present and restless for what’s next.
Restless contentment believes tomorrow can be better. Aspirational contentment honors talent, respects potential, enjoys today, and steps toward the future.
How to Practice the Art of Restless Contentment
#1. Let go of the “Glory Days.”
“Glory Days” is one of my favorite Springsteen songs. He hopes he won’t spend all his time reminiscing when he gets old. “But I probably will.”
Enjoy success but let it go. Maintain a forward-facing posture.
#2. Focus on who you are becoming.
“Glory Days,” when it comes to results, are uncertain. Real glory depends on who you are becoming, not the fluctuations of outcomes.
#3. Think now and next.
Seize current opportunities—even if they seem less glorious than the past. Scan the horizon for new prospects.
#4. Invite others into your boat.
Restless contentment finds energy in the opportunities of partnership. Relationships are messy but worth it. Who can you help? Who can help you? How can you help each other?
Believe you can rise to new challenges with the help of others.
#5. Practice optimistic gratitude.
Be thankful for opportunities to contribute. Be optimistic about your capacity for future contributions.
Step up. Don’t give up.
#6. Go with the 70% rule.
Take action when you’re about 70% certain. Forget about 100% certainty before trying something new. Go sooner as long as losses aren’t catastrophic.
#7. Stop beating yourself down.
“Glory Days” are a burden when they condemn the present. Pessimistic contentment ties weights to your feet.
Restless contentment becomes destructive when it turns into constant dissatisfaction.
Don’t let yesterday belittle the future. Let discontent nudge you forward, not rob you of peace.
Love the moment. Reach for next.
How can leaders honor the past without living in it?
Who do you know who seems both content and aspirational? How are they accomplishing this?
The Right Kind of Discontentment
Hi Dan,
Thank you ! Great topic. I love your #2. Unfortunately, it’s the dreary #7 that I encounter lately. Beating yourself down * out loud * collaterally slaps down / insults anyone who has the same ‘problem’ . I imagine my older or less fit colleagues wincing hearing the lamentations they’re soooo olllddd, lack ‘perfect’ body, etc.
Cheers ! ~ C
Powerful observation, Cate. I think I respect people more when they accept who they are, warts and all. The human condition comes with many limitations.
Thanks, Dan — I really like #5 and #6. I think it’s important to keep stepping up to new challenges, and when those challenges lead to failure, to take the lessons learned and apply them to the next opportunity to contribute. While always being grateful for the chance to step up, and for the belief others place in you along the way.
Thanks, Isaac. I often think of the crowd of people who have invested in me over the years. It’s humbling and encouraging. I know you have a crowd of people lifting you too.
What a sad and pathetic song. Life is lived in seasons. As Ecclesiastes 3 says, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. There is a time to play baseball as a youth, but then people move on to the next thing.
The singer of this song never found his next thing. Even entering retirement, what is the next thing? People have value and can contribute at every stage.
Dan, you’ve often said look for ways to add value. Indeed. Add value.
Love how you say, “look for the next thing.” That’s a great way to look at aspiration. The Glory Days are great when they are a platform for the next thing. Thanks, Pete.
How can leaders honor the past without living in it?
– Remember the “Glory Days”. They are a part of who you are.
– Also remember what Billy Joel sang: “The good ‘ol days weren’t always good, and tomorrow’s not as bad as it seems.” Keep the faith.
Thanks for the reminder to look for those who seems both content and aspirational, and how they accomplish this. #mentors