Anyway, back to the conversation. Glen was sharing his week with me and lamenting a bit about a trap that some of the salespeople he manages fall into. Glen is a Sales Team Leader for a Janitoral and Packaging company. He was sharing how some of his salespeople are content with a part of a company's business, say $15,000 a year. Even though when a few key questions are asked, you find out you could potentially have $500,000 of this company's yearly business. But they never ask those key questions because they are content with having some of the business.
This conversation got me thinking. We as women, especially those of us at my stage of life, having raised our kid/kids and sent them out into the world, think "ok we did it". Now we can sit back and rest and be content with our place in life. But really this is our time in life, our time to pursue our hobbies, passions, etc. Yet so many of us don't, and there are two main things that hold us back, time and fear.
You know that these are just excuses. You time managed so well when you had a busy family to plan around, so why can't you schedule a little "you" time into each week. Set a goal for each week, and don't start with a overwhelming one that you know you can't complete, which will prevent you from even starting. For example don't start with the goal of "I'm going to write a book" start with "I am going to write a short story this week" or even "I'm going to write a paragraph this week". Very manageable goals that will keep you on track with time and help you conquer fear. Small successes will lead to confidence which will lead to great courage.
This fall I have left contentment behind and have been pushing myself in my photography harder than I have ever pushed myself in anything in my whole life. Small successes have led to confidence which gives me courage to keep pushing onward.
What about you? Are you ready to leave contentment behind and push yourself in something you have always wanted to do?
16 comments:
Your photos and your philosophy speak to me.
So true.
I have a few years on you Sarah...maybe more than a few...and I know of what you speak...other than being committed to my Grandsons one day a week, which I would never give up, I pretty much do what I love...my problem is me...justify the time to do it...each week...I try again..but I am making progress.
I just love the photo's that you have chosen to go with your post today.
You go girl on that big photography push! Your photography is lovely, so you should go as far as you want! I personally hope that I never feel as if I have arrived, but always am seeking new and different experiences. Love that last shot especially
You are so inspiring for me . . . one little thing each week and push forward to week two and on . . .
I find myself being too content and not moving forward, especially with photography. Thanks for the thoughts and the little nudge to step forward and push further. Love these images, especially the bench, it's so peaceful!
I have a love hate relationship with contentment. It's interesting about employees these days. They would rather have a day off than work hard for a bonus.
A very thoughtful and insightful post. Contentment is a big large word, a word that I find difficult to think around. So inspiring Sarah I'm going to think this out and maybe if you don't mind do a post about my thoughts.
I see that you have inspired us all!
Your hard work show in your photos! LOVE the flower photo and quote you added!
Since Dave, my husband, died I haven't been happy but I am, finally, content. He taught me so much and made me the woman I am today. I've started traveling, outside the country, again; bought property, bought and sold cattle, rescued alpacas, made financial decisions that have surprised me...looking back over the past 2 years...I've grown and it surprises me. I've felt locked in place but events say otherwise. Who knew?!
well heck...my point was (that I didn't get around to making) was contentment can, sometimes, be a worthwhile goal. It depends upon circumstances.
Great post and one I think we all need to hear every once in a while.....I find myself in a cycle of "contentment" and "wanting to explore deeper" in many areas but with photographer, I definitely am in the learning mode....
Sister, you are alive and well, and I too, am tapping into the Universe and all that it has to offer "me...for me". Remember, all we have is now! Aloha
Love your words and your stunning images. I find I'm only really content if I'm learning something new and pushing myself a bit - gently of course, but everything feels a bit stale otherwise. Happy weekend to you. :)
Inspiring words and great photos. I will continue to ponder both. (This is the third time I've read this post!)
xoxo
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