What do you need more of?

When I asked my godson yesterday how his Christmas was he said it was great; lots of presents. This is, of course, normal for an eleven-year-old boy, but we live in a society that strongly encourages external growth: more things, more money, more success, more consumption, more more more. This causes some people to put a great deal of pressure on themselves and keeps them in a proverbial hamster wheel, working harder and harder to get more and more. Most such people are aware that this kind of life does not make them happy. Unfortunately, many seem willing to sacrifice some happiness to pursue more of what they think they want over the relationships and experiences they need.

Have you considered or questioned if the things that you are pursuing or accumulating in life are what you really want and need? Speaker and author: Simon Sinek talks about finding your “why” in terms of business and becoming a good leader. This can be a great place to start in your personal life too. Many people get on a certain path and stay on it whether they feel inspired, happy or even satisfied with what they are doing. Perhaps they make many sacrifices to achieve career or financial aspirations, but they have lost sight of what they really want and need.

On a deeper level, the growth we really want and need is inner growth. This is growth that we achieve by learning new things, experiencing interesting or challenging situations, and teaching or sharing with others. Relationships bring us a great deal of growth, and so does travel. Even our greatest challenges and hardships can create growth within us. If you are sacrificing these things for career, money or excessive comfort, then it would be no wonder if you are not as happy or more frustrated than you would like to be. Despite a high standard of living, many prosperous countries are experiencing a mental health crisis, so clearly, many of our inner needs are not being met.

Are you sacrificing personal fulfilment for more things? Do you know why you are pursuing your current goals? And do you know what you actually need more of? Do you know your why? These are interesting questions to reflect on from time to time. If nothing else 2020 has been a good time to reflect. Some have spent their time of restricted movement or even isolation watching their streaming video service or online shopping. Others have been reminded of the value of relationships and a slower or simpler lifestyle. Some discovered the rewards of helping others.

If you are reading this, I hope that you and those you love are safe and healthy first and foremost. Beyond that, as we close this calendar year, I hope that you have had the time or will take the time to reflect on your wants and needs. What will bring balance to your life? What will bring you true fulfilment? What do you really need more of?