Though this article was written over a year ago, the principles remain unchanged.
There has been an undercurrent of dissatisfaction in my heart since we’ve started school this past year. Coming off a free, unencumbered summer and delving into the regimen of another school year has left me cast adrift, without clarity and disconnected.
While I take responsibility for where I’m at, it does me good to understand how and when this disconnect began. It is obvious I did not transition well into the next phase of school life. Even through this time of fogginess, there have still been numerous times when I was overcome by a seizure of inspiration and clarity. I’d scribble thoughts down and be rejuvenated for a couple days. Eventually I’d slide back into disconnect and drift about again.
In finishing the book High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard, I think I’ve found the answer to my dilemma.
Mr. Burchard states:
There are 3 specific traps that high performance people can fall to:
Superiority
Think you’re better than everybody else. Think you don’t need people anymore.
The fix to avoid this trap: engage with everyone. I can learn something from everyone. I need other people. I’m better when I value others, their ideas and what they bring to the world.
You cannot maximize your potential while minimizing others.
Dissatisfaction
Those who are never satisfied are never at peace. They can’t tune into their zone – the noise of a dissatisfied mind prevents them from finding a rhythm that makes them feel alive and effective. If I cannot sense satisfaction in the moment, then I am not feeling connection or gratitude for the moment. Dissatisfaction is disconnection.
Dissatisfaction causes one to obsess about the negative, leading in turn to a habit of missing what’s working, and failing to praise or appreciate others.
Your brain is hardwired just as much for happiness as for negativity or fear.
Being satisfied, then, doesn’t mean ‘settling’. It simply means accepting and taking pleasure in what is. It’s allowing yourself to feel contentment whether or not a thing is complete or perfect.
Strive satisfied.
Neglect
This comes either through obliviousness or overreaching.
Being so focused in one area that you are completely unaware of the growing problems in another. Or, going for too much, too fast, in too many domains. When you’re good, you want to take on more. But beware the impulse. It’s a short hop from full steam ahead to burnout.
Most opportunities in life that are really worthwhile and meaningful will still be around 6 months from now. So, slow down; say no more often; be more strategic.
A constant state of disappointment drains your passion.
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Taken from High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
With this information, what is it that I need to change right now?
How am I exhibiting superiority, dissatisfaction or neglect?
We are stewards of much. Let continually alter our course to align with the Father’s will.
Strive satisfied. Be thankful whether or not a thing is complete or perfect.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10