Dealing with Discontent? Here are some tips for you!

The subject of contentment came up recently in a course I'm teaching. Considering that it's the time of year when people tend to reflect on what they are grateful for, I'd posit that "contentment" is the word of the week!

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What is the biggest killer of a "living below your means" lifestyle? What tends to sneak up on you without warning as you're scrolling your social media feed and see a picture of other people's lives? What most causes people to make rash purchase decisions that they later regret? What is a major contributor to condemnation for a born-again Christian?

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The answer is a lack of contentment.

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We all have something more that we want out of life, whether it be more money, more stuff, more experiences, more influence, etc. But life doesn't always bring those things when we want them. And even when they do come, we still find ourselves lacking contentment.

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So how do?balance contentment with growth and desire for a better life? I ultimately believe, as the apostle Paul explains in his letters, that it comes down to abiding fully in Christ. I'd like to augment this, however, with a few other ideas coupled with reflection questions to help you manage this universal struggle.

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1. Learn to approach life with a grateful heart. We are a product of those that have poured into our lives. Consider where you would be without those individuals. How could you tell them thank you this week?
2. Remember that you only have this one life to live. And you won't be able to take any accumulated stuff with you when your course is finished. So how are you currently making the most of it?
3. Make sure your current decisions, boundaries, and actions are aligned with your deepest wants and desires. This means taking the time to flesh those out, and it sometimes means getting a coach to help you see past your blind spots. To what degree are you acting in alignment with what matters most to you?
4. Recognize and celebrate your achievements. This doesn't just apply to the "big" stuff, but also the seemingly miniscule and insignificant steps in the journey. Even NOT doing something negative as much as you COULD have can be celebrated and contribute to your contentment! So what are you celebrating / how are you making progress this week?
5. Limit the negative voices in your life. Shut off your social media feed, shift your environment, and hang out with people that take you higher. Real, positive relationships in your life are critical to your happiness and ability to be content. What can you do this week to create or find a more wholesome environment for your mind, body, and spirit?

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Which of these resonates with you the most? Or is there something else that I didn't mention you already know you need to do?