The Life You Wish You Had

The life you wish you had can poison the life you have.

I have seen fantasies hobble leaders. The team you wish you had condemns the team you have. Your current paycheck mocks you. Your title insults you.

Envy is self-sabotage. You pull back. Or worse, resentment takes root.

The Past You Wish You Had

You didn’t get the job. Someone less worthy was promoted. Unmet expectations pollute life.

Someone hurt you. Is it sucking joy out of you?

Resentment pokes your eyes out. You lose perspective. Revenge distracts from responsibility.

What would you do today if you knew you’d never get promoted?

The Present You Wish You Had

I choose to live a simple life. My Toyota Tacoma is 14 years old. I’ll keep it until it dies by the side of the road. The other day I drove past a shiny new Tacoma. Riding alone, I felt embarrassed. The joy of simplicity vanished.

My need to impress strangers killed joy.

The Future You Wish You Had

When aspiration births resentment your future shrinks.

Bitterness waits for an apology.

The Cure for Toxic Aspiration

#1. Turn Judgment into Development

Coach the team you have.

The life you wish you had is a blueprint for growth.

#2. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude answers toxic aspiration.

List three strengths for every team member.

What’s working now?

Gratitude enjoys the present. Aspiration builds the future.

#3. Pull Weeds

Gardeners enjoy the garden while pulling weeds. Protect what you have.

Healthy aspiration requires vision, responsibility, and effort.

Enjoy what you have. Build what could be.

How is the life you wish you had polluting joy?

The Art of Restless Contentment

Why You Should Value Dissatisfaction and How to Use it to Your Advantage