Being grateful for what you have fuels positive change
In a world of unlimited information we are bombarded by images of “perfection”. Doctored up super models, perfectly posed celebrities, misleading photography of an AirBnB listing, and most any fantasy place you could wish to live. Pornography may be the most cited example of content that curves expectations of reality. All this imagery has the capability to drive much discontent in its consumers.
Being shown images of the standard of living in impoverished places within India and Africa can be an effective reminder of how well most of us have it in this world. How many of us though, have still found ourselves complaining about petty things such as tax season, phone bills, slow delivery, or the brand of our ________? In a world of ‘get everything now’ its easy to get caught up on the small things.
Sometimes the small things feel quite big. Imagine these two scenarios: We have an entrepreneur working hard on her business, living in her parents basement. Her business is on track for success, and currently her living expenses are covered and food is always available. We have another entrepreneur working hard on his business, living in his own “luxury” apartment. His business has just started tasting sustainable success, just enough to pay for living expenses and to have most of the entrepreneur’s food be delivery/takeout.
Now, it would seem that the second entrepreneur is more successful, likely due to the fact that he seems to be making more money than our basement dwelling entrepreneur. Both entrepreneurs have the same amenities, standard of living, and responsibilities regarding their businesses. Yet, I doubt many people thought that the entrepreneur living with her parents was as successful, if at all successful. Chances are she may feel a lack of success due to her current living arrangements.
Our female entrepreneur may find herself coming down on herself about her current living arrangements. Especially if she ran into our other entrepreneur friend and saw his luxury apartment. It wouldn’t be too hard to imagine a bit of envy taking place. Perhaps this envy would drive our entrepreneur to hustle her way to the top, but lasting success isn’t driven by greed.
Being envious to the point of frustration is of no help to her. The stresses of building a business can be numerous. The adversity curve-balls that the world can throw at an entrepreneur come in all flavors. Stressing out over the lack of view from her basement bedroom is not a beneficial addition to her list of problems to solve.
By taking the time to be grateful for what she has, she will instead be fortifying herself against adversity. When adversity strikes she will have a strong base to fight against it. She has the added benefit of emotional support from those who care about her. A basement room may not seem as flashy, but our entrepreneur friend doesn’t even consider it a factor anymore. She knows what’s important, and what’s just marketing.
Take some time each day to be grateful for what you have and how far you’ve come. It will only fuel your growth and fortify your will to succeed.
