“Grateful, but Unsatisfied”
The phrase “grateful but unsatisfied” might sound like a contradiction. On the surface, they seem at odds, but I believe they are two separate, essential processes that work best when they happen together.
Have you ever set a big goal and hit maybe 70% or 80% of it? In the past, when that happened to me, I would immediately obsess over the missing 20%. I’d jump straight into my next move, totally ignoring what I had actually accomplished.
Here is how I’ve learned to view these two mindsets:
- Gratitude is about appreciating what you have received, rather than mourning what you didn’t. Being grateful unlocks creativity and provides the clarity needed to reach the next milestone. It also permits you to celebrate. Think of the Olympics: everyone wants the gold, but the bronze medalist still celebrates the triumph of being on the podium.
- Unsatisfied simply means recognizing that there are new levels of success ahead. If we become too satisfied, we risk becoming complacent. Being “unsatisfied” is what keeps us hungry and prevents us from stopping before we reach our full potential.
A few suggestions for the journey:
- Set “Stretch” Goals: Aim for targets that challenge you without breaking you. Setting the bar too high (or too low) can sabotage your long-term momentum.
- Celebrate the Small Wins: Recognize every achievement as a building block for the next great thing.
- Audit Your Self-Talk: Are your internal words affirming and supportive, or are they rooted in criticism and self-doubt?
- Protect Your Mindset: Society often conditions us to focus on the negative. It is up to you—and only you—to curate a mental environment that sees the positive potential in every opportunity.
If you have any questions about this short article, please reach out to me at
gary@garybarnesinternational.com.
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