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“Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.” —Socrates
There were many reasons we chose to become minimalist and simplify our lives. We were frustrated with clutter. We discovered the time that was wasted managing our possessions. We realized joy was not found in our possessions. And we determined that we value other things far more than physical belongings. This initial process of simplifying our home required energy, effort, and encouragement.
But the process of remaining minimalist and living this counter-cultural lifestyle against all odds requires something completely different. It requires knowing how to be content.
Contentment is the lifeblood of minimalism. And without it, the journey towards minimalism is short-lived. Discontent will always rear its ugly head and become a great obstacle to fully thriving in a simple and happy life.
Not only does contentment provide the opportunity for minimalism, it also reduces your stress level, improves your outlook, relaxes your body, and makes your life enjoyable. There is an unmistakable freedom that accompanies contentment: a freedom to be who you are, enjoy who you are, and live the life you were destined to live.
Yet in our consumeristic-culture where discontent is promoted and material gratification is encouraged, learning to be content can be very difficult. It is certainly a personal journey that we all must travel and nobody’s journey will look the same.
Finding Contentment
Although there is no one-size-fits-all program to fully-attain contentment, you can still learn how to be content by being intentional. Here are six tips you can apply today to find more contentment in
1. Practice gratitude. It is impossible to develop contentment without gratitude—they are inseparable. And a grateful person is one who has learned to focus on the good things in their life, not the things they lack. The simple discipline of beginning the exercise will undoubtedly shift your focus back to the many good things you already have.
2. Take control of your attitude. A person who lacks contentment in their life will often engage in “when and then thinking” – “when I get _______, then I will be happy.” Instead, take control of your attitude. Remember, your happiness is not reliant on the acquisition of any possession. Your happiness is based solely on your decision to be happy—this may be one of the most important life lessons you can ever learn.
3. Break the buying habit. For many of us, it has been ingrained into our lives that the proper way to diffuse discontent is to purchase the outward item that is seemingly causing the discontentment. Almost no energy is spent determining the true root of the discontent. Are you dissatisfied with your wardrobe? Go buy new clothes. Not content with your vehicle? Go buy a new one. We have gotten into the habit of satisfying our discontent by simply spending more money.
We must break that habit. Material possessions will never fully satisfy the desires of your heart (that’s why discontent always returns). The next time you recognize discontentment surfacing in your life, refuse to give into that bad habit. Instead, commit to better understand yourself and why the lack of that item is causing discontent. Only after you intentionally break this thinking will true contentment begin to surface.
4. Stop comparing yourself to others. Comparing your life with someone else’s will always lead to discontentment. There will always be people who “appear” to be better off than you and seemingly living the perfect life. But be advised, we always compare the worst of what we know about ourselves to the best assumptions we make about others. Their life is never as perfect as your mind makes it out to be. You are unique. You are special. Your life is different. And it’s always better that way. Prioritize learning how to stop comparing yourself to others.
5. Help others. When you begin helping others, sharing your talents, time and money, you will find yourself learning to be content. The practice will give you a finer appreciation for what you own, who you are, and what you have to offer.
6. Be content with what you have, never with what you are. Never stop learning, growing, or discovering. Take pride in your personhood and the progress that you have made, but never become so content that you cannot find room for improvement. Contentment is not the same as complacency. As soon as you stop growing, you start dying.
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FAQ About How to Be Content
What is the definition of contentment?
Contentment is finding joy in what we already have in our lives, feeling or showing satisfaction with our possessions, status, or situation. It’s being happy without trying to find fulfillment in acquiring more material possessions.
What are the benefits of contentment?
Contentment allows us to stop comparing ourselves to others and it allows us to break the cycle of wanting more. It lets us be grateful and happy for all that we have. This approach to life is scientifically proven to reduce your stress level, improve your outlook, relax your body, and make life more enjoyable.
What is the difference between contentment and complacency?
The difference can seem minor but there’s actually a world of difference. Contentment is to be happy with what you have and find satisfaction in your present circumstances. Complacency is being unsatisfied with how your life is in the moment but still being unwilling to make changes to improve your situation.
Is contentment a choice?
Absolutely, although it’s not as easy as it sounds. Learning how to be content comes from a combination of intentional mindset shifts, habit changes, and being aware of our thoughts and actions.
Professor Rasheed says
Contentment is common among all religions. Meaningthereby it is useful to be practiced in its true perspective. Its positive implications in daily life are numerous
Angelique says
Shalom! Thank you so much for ALLLL of you guys comments. They’re all very refreshing and inspirational.
Yuki Snow says
Re: Contentment and Things
I lived abroad for several years and have many “things” (mostly art, and artful knick knacks) that I enjoy looking at, and reminding me of my years abroad.
OTOH, several years ago when a friend in Colorado had a wildfire raging at her doorstep, she had to leave with what she could pack in the car. I asked her what she took, and how she determined what to take. Mostly, it was a couple family heirlooms, picture albums, and videos (of her kids) that she wanted to update into digital media.
It was a lesson for me: I looked around my house and counted up what I would pack in the car if I had 15 minutes to vamoose. It wasn’t all the art (tho I would dearly miss it). My list: my dog, my laptop (in order to communicate w/ family…and listen to music), my Kindle (I’m a librarian so reading is important), important insurance documents…and my Mom’s engagement ring. Oh yeah, I’d throw my clothes in for good measure–not because I’m a clothes horse but rather because I’m very short…and it’s hard to find things that FIT!
Everything else in my house is frosting on the cake. I realized I was grateful for the things I have…but to hold them loosely. Cherish what is truly important…and know the difference between what’s important and what’s not.
al says
as someone who reads the bible
contentment is kind of a double sword.
In order to be content you have to give up goals.
yet to function through the day you need to shower, eat, watch tv, go to work or a place where you are helped.
I really am never content because I live in a world of coldness and death.
andri says
Hi al,
when you are in a world of coldness and death, just simply be there without any other thought. you will naturally achieve contentedness
Mark says
Where to start to minimize my life to the point of maximum fulfillment
Clive N Goddard says
Absolutely enjoyed reading it . As a little child or baby life is so simple . For a very old person life is simple . The reality of life , one
breath in and one breath out is also simple . Life really is simple .
Noela says
Thank you for this very timely reminder. 21st century life can cause us feel driven by so many pressures to perform. It is such a relief and a joy to allow oneself ‘just to be’
Hayley // The French Experiment says
Number two really hit home for me today. Thank you for the reminder Joshua!
Carrie says
The heart is built to hunger for God. Without him in ones life, you can never be content. Something will always be missing.
Carrie says
Were meant to love him and be loved by him. He loves you so much he gave his one and only child to die for YOU, so that simply by believing him you will live forever in his love. Pure contentment.
John Brown says
“be careful what you own, it may own you”
Clive N Goddard says
very well said , Joshua.
Clive N Goddard says
beg yours John.