I recently reached a career milestone. I got my first promotion! It’s been one of the highlights of my year, yet I find myself already asking, what’s next? I’ve asked this question at every stage of life: after graduating from college, after landing my first job, and even now. It’s like I’m chasing a future that will always be ahead of me. Now, I wonder why I can’t be satisfied with where I am? On the surface, it looks like ambition, but if I’m honest, it’s a lack of gratitude.
Enjoy the Journey
I realized that if I can’t be content with where I am, I’ll never be content with where I’m going. When was the last time you appreciated where you are or what you have? A life well lived is about enjoying the journey, not just the destination. Taking time to be grateful helps us appreciate where we are. We’ve already arrived, but do we even realize it? Do we know we’re enough despite where we are? Or are we striving to be enough?
Practice Gratitude
We’ve done enough. We have enough. We are enough. If you don’t believe this, maybe it’s time to ask what beliefs are driving the desire for more. Is it a belief that external accomplishments define your value? Do you think you’ll finally be happy once you have everything you want? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, it might be time to look within. Instead of chasing what’s next, we can pause and ask ourselves: What can I be grateful for in this moment?
Celebrate Your Progress
Did you know 40% of happiness lies in our choices, thoughts, and behaviors, and only 10% is based on circumstance? Knowing this stat has challenged me to be more grateful for what I have. I could have more, but I could also appreciate what I already have. While I could achieve more, I can also take pride in what I’ve already achieved. I would encourage you to write down all the goals you’ve reached in the past 5 years. Now, take a moment to be proud of what you’ve already done.
Final Thoughts
While milestones are worth celebrating, let’s not forget to appreciate the stepping stones. I’m learning to be grateful for where I am right now. For the next 30 days, I challenge you to write down three things you’re thankful for every day. This simple practice can help you recognize that you have enough, you’ve done enough, and you are enough.