by Shannon O’Neill, M.A.
In today’s world, people are often unsatisfied with their present circumstances. We frequently wish we were somewhere else doing something different. No matter the domain, I personally find that I desire more than what I have. I cannot recall the number of times I have said, “Once I have X, then I’ll be satisfied.” But yet, once I actually do have X, then what? Am I finally happy? Most of the time, no. Predictably, I find another goal I hope to attain and miss the opportunity to acknowledge what I just achieved. Although I write this in reference to academic accomplishments, I am confident your experience is similar no matter the topic of choice.
When an individual refuses to be satisfied until X occurs, he/she often believes happiness is hidden in X and therefore, X must happen. I imagine the coinciding emotions that follow this demanding belief are also unpleasant. Therefore, why hold on to a belief that causes so much trouble? Is it worth it? If we take a step back, it is apparent that we are giving too much credit and responsibility to X. Although we believe it will supply us with contentment, we often discover it does no such thing. Therefore, rather than allowing a future moment to steal your current happiness, take back the control.
There is always going to be something more desirable than what you currently have. So, I challenge you to ask yourself, “Can I be happy and begin living without X in my life?” Although it is quite easy to fall into a mind frame of wanting more, take a moment to reflect on where you are and what you have. In doing so we often find that at one point, what we currently have was once all we ever wanted.
