Finding the Balance Between Self-Development and Being Content with Yourself.

Is self-development a good thing? I think most of us wouldn’t hesitate to say of course it is!

Doesn’t it make sense that we as people should always be striving to better ourselves, accomplish more and be the best that we can be? Why should I be happy with anything less then my best? Life is all about fulfilling your potential, right?

We hear stories all of the time about how successful people pushed themselves to the their limits in order to achieve success; Kobe not leaving the gym until he hit 800 shots (see more about this madman over here https://www.businessinsider.com/kobe-bryant-insane-work-ethic-2013-8) or Apple CEO, Tim Cook starting his day at 4:00 AM despite already accomplishing so much. I mean this is the formula to success over here, right? Pushing yourself to your limits in order to maximize your potential during your one shot at life!

But what about the flip side? If we’re always striving for success and improvement, how are we supposed to wake up in the morning, look ourselves in the mirror and be happy with who we are and where we’re standing today? Whether it’s a physical, emotional or financial goal that we’re striving for, how am I supposed to be content with who I am at this moment if I haven’t reached my goal? There will ALWAYS be room for improvement!

But if we are happy with where we stand today, isn’t that a bad thing? What’s going to push me to accomplish my goals and fulfill my potential if I’m happy and content?

It’s a paradox…

This is ultimately a tough question to answer because we all have our own, subjective perspective of what is important to us, what our goals are and how we define success. Whose to tell Kobe that he was being over the top when it’s just basketball; whose to tell Jeff Bezos to take a break when there’s literally nothing he can’t do with the money he has? Similarly, if somebody decides that they’re happy with their character, finances and personal goals today – can we tell them they’re failing at life because they’re not striving for more?

Even though there isn’t a black and white answer to this question, one might benefit from asking themselves the following questions.

1.       Am I happy with who I am today despite having more to improve on/accomplish?

2.       If not, will there ever be a point that I am happy, if there will always be more to improve on/accomplish.

3.       If so, what is pushing me to improve myself?

4.       Do I feel like I have (or need) a healthy balance between self-development and being content with myself?

It might take some serious self-reflection to answer these questions - but being aware of your perspective on the matter can benefit anybody looking to develop a stronger self-awareness about themselves and their emotional well being.