Discontentment: An Observation Essay
GUEST WRITTEN by Andrew Quinones
Are you content with where you are in life?
One might respond with, “What else should I be?” Though simple, the answer might be confusing; so, before I give it, allow me to explain.
What drives someone to be healthier? More fit? More prosperous? It’s not passion. It’s not “drive,” and it’s not greed, though these are all factors to consider.
No, the greatest contributor for improvement is discontentment. Discontentment drives us to work harder, to be more disciplined, to be healthier, etc.
With that in mind, let’s return to our original question: “What else should I be if not content?”
Again, the answer is simple: Two steps ahead and still discontent.
That said, is happiness unachievable? Hardly. Discontentment doesn’t equate unhappiness, nor does contentment; rather, discontentment is a step towards greater happiness; it’s entirely possible to be happy and discontent at the same time. No good book was ever written when the writer said, “I’m content with thirty-thousand words.” No good movie was ever produced when the director said, “I think that’s enough post-production,” and no hit song was ever recorded when the singer said, “Forget editing--it’s fine as recorded.” All of these scenarios were examples of contentment—how happy do you think they were? Do you think the book was ever published? Did the movie win an Oscar? Did the song ever achieve fame? Ever win a Grammy?
I doubt it.
Choose to go the extra step. Be vigorous in your discipline; when you work out, do ten extra push ups. Come back the next time and add fifteen. Be passionate in your relationships. Don’t let her or him or whoever it is settle for anything less than the best from you. Sit with him and hear his ideas that no one wants to listen to. Buy her a flower, however small a way to say, “Hey, I care about you.” Be eager to learn, and no, you aren’t regulated to what’s taught in school. Be ardent in your own pursuits. Don’t settle with a job you feel is beneath you or that doesn’t bring you joy. I won’t say to live your dreams, but to die trying.