Multiple studies have shown that over 50% of people no longer find satisfaction in their life or work. In fact, they are becoming increasingly unhappy. While specific reasons vary, they generally fall into one of three categories:
1- They no longer feel like a meaningful contributor;
2- They are no longer comfortable taking risks;
3- They did not plan to be where they are at this point in their life.
What about you? On a scale of 1 to 10 – where is your life-work satisfaction meter registering? If you are in that 50% that is dissatisfied, it is time for you to look more closely at your situation and determine what steps you can take to reclaim satisfaction in your life and work.
There’s another facet to realize about these three indicators and how they each can accelerate the others. Are you in the first group but find that the second point keeps you from taking action? Or perhaps you are in the third group but due to the second point, you are settling for far less than you can accomplish. You see, these really do go hand in hand. Think of them as gears, one turns the other. Not satisfied with what you are doing? Too unsettled to fix it? Feeling trapped and without choices?
If this is you, the first step is going to be to take responsibility for where you are and stop allowing yourself to fall prey to victim thinking. I can share with you that when it was first put to me in those terms, I was insulted. In fact I reacted badly until I realized it was in fact true. I was allowing myself to be held hostage. I was a functioning victim of the economy and settling for someone else’s idea of how to define and deal with risk in my own life.
So what can we do about this? Consider with me these three basic keys to going from dissatisfied to satisfied:
- Commit to total honesty & self awareness
- Commit to being open to a new way of seeing everything
- Commit to taking responsibility and action
That’s it – three key ideas to consider. If you are willing to make those three commitments, then get on board. Your journey is about to get interesting and yes – satisfying. Always remember, there is more value in the rest of your story than you ever dreamed possible. And if a different perspective would be helpful, we’re always here to help as your possibility partner.
Live well. Live today like you want tomorrow to be.
