Tag Archives: achievement

TWO COMPELLING REASONS TO STOP SETTLING FOR LESS

“The biggest human temptation
is to settle for too little.”
~Thomas Merton~

Whether referring to career, relationships, or general life, we all have undoubtedly received this admonishment: Never settle for less. If asked why, the most likely answer would be, “Because you deserve more.” However, from a semantic standpoint, there are even more compelling reasons to stop settling.

Consider the word settle in its literal sense:

    1. To come to rest
    2. A gradual sinking to a lower level
Maturation (growth) requires a conscious effort of managing progressively complicated challenges. Settling for less can lead us to live in an unconscious manner – as if sleepwalking – accepting the safety and comfort of routine over the discomfort of actively venturing into uncharted territory (fear of the unknown). In other words, choosing to settle for less can cause stagnation, thus impeding our own progress.

A second consequence of settling is personal regression. Settling can be a symptom of the unwillingness to progress to higher levels due to a fear of failure. Choosing to accept less is not only a choice to remain at a certain level, but it can also unintentionally cause us to regress to earlier stages of development, expressed through a preference to remain engaged in low-demand relationships and activities.

Stagnation can be likened to being stuck in traffic, not able to move forward or backward, while regression can be compared to the atrophy that occurs when a muscle is not being used.

Mentally, physically and spiritually, we need to flex our muscles for growth. Normally, growth occurs as a result of overcoming progressive levels of resistance. The more we flex, the more competent we become; and the more resistance or challenge we undertake, the stronger and more developed we become. Mastery of a lower level will normally trigger progression to the next higher level. But when we settle for less, we are essentially choosing to remove resistance (challenge) from our lives, which is essential for growth. Stagnation halts progress, and regression causes us to gradually lose ground.

In every aspect of our lives, we really do ourselves a disservice by settling. Although settling may feel comfortable initially, eventually dissatisfaction and/or apathy can set in. At the very least, we need to feel a sense of satisfaction to remain sufficiently motivated to continue in a situation, and at the other end of the spectrum passion is what propels us to higher levels of achievement and fulfillment.

So, if you’re feeling “stuck” or unchallenged, perhaps it is time to consider the areas in your life in which you may be settling for less, and make the changes necessary to reestablish active engagement and growth.

Do you recognize any areas in your life in which you are settling?

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider sharing it.

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE

Today, we fire our backyard grills and the skies are alight with firework displays to commemorate our national independence. It is certainly a joyous occasion as we take time off and gather with family and friends to celebrate. I am indeed thankful that I’m able to live freely, not only as a nation, but also as an individual. On a personal level I think about what it means to be truly independent; that is, what it means to be an independent thinker.

An independent thinker is someone who evaluates the world through their own eyes, based on their own observations and experiences. Rather than depending on the words of others, an independent thinker will consider the information being presented and determine for themselves if they will accept it as true. In other words, there is a true desire to think for oneself. In contrast, dependent thinkers accept whatever they’ve been taught, accepting it as true without discerning for themselves whether it actually makes sense.

To be an independent thinker you have to trust in your own ability to make judgments, and act according to these judgements even though it may contradict what others think. Freedom comes from knowing that although you may make mistakes, they are your own to make, and you resolve to accept the failure or success that follows. Thus, as an independent thinker you become stronger and more resilient, confident to stand on your own even in the midst of naysayers.

It stands to reason that if we are content to think the same as everyone else, the best we can expect to achieve is what everyone else is already achieving. Therefore, I believe independent thought is essential for progress, as well as personal growth. It is only when you march to the beat of your own drum that you are able to create original ideas. Independent thinking fosters creativity because you don’t think about being bound by convention; it’s as if you are always thinking “outside the box” (because you don’t recognize that a box exists).

Thinking independently takes a lot of courage because it may compel you to “zig” when everyone else is “zagging.” However, the potential reward is great. It can strengthen your spirit, foster a sense of personal freedom and achievement, as well as contribute to your overall happiness — and this is certainly something to celebrate!

Happy Independence Day!

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider sharing it.