The first necessities of progress
Restlessness and discontent are the first necessities of progress.
-Thomas A. Edison
Isn’t that true? Most of us don’t get up and do something until we’re sufficiently motivated to do so, and some of the biggest motivators are restlessness and discontent.
I view discontent as a signal; a signal that I need to make changes in the area where I feel discontented.
Sometimes those changes are dramatic, such as the time I quit my job and went to graduate school. Other times they are much more subtle, such as finally throwing out a stack of papers that’s been bugging me.
If we’re satisfied with things the way they are, that’s fine. (And sometimes even great.) But if we’re not, discontentment can be good when it leads us to eventual contentment.
Examples might be finding a career that you love, getting out of debt, or finally starting that new business.
All of those require changes, and until we change or do the work required, we won’t make the progress necessary. Discontentment can be the kick in the pants that gets us going.
Of course, you have to be careful that you’re making the right kind of changes. Trying to alleviate discontentment by going out and buying a new big screen TV or some new clothes isn’t going to cut it.
In fact, those kinds of things are likely to make us more discontented over time, because we tried to change our feelings with Stuff instead of trying to change ourselves or our situation.
If there’s something that’s making you feel restless or discontented right now, try to figure out what would do the opposite.
And then go out and do it.
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April 27th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Discontent with my appearance was the catalyst to start my diet and exercise program. Really, ‘fed up’ is a better description. I’ve made many positive changes in my life as the result of discontent and boredom.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Cannot be more true. The need for changes must be recognized first.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I had debt troubles for several years. It was a dreadful feeling to retain that continual pressure day in and day out. Those that are stressed really need to button down and shed all excess spending to get out of their debt problems. It is worth it to feel much better.