The notion of satisfaction is underrated. While we often talk of success, I wonder if we would be better off if we focused on satisfaction instead since to be satisfied is a great aim. When you are satisfied, you are generally happy.
What does it mean to be satisfied? Satisfaction is your expectations met. For example, yesterday I experienced true satisfaction when I completed a job that resulted in greater peace and happiness for those I was working for. I was pleased that my plans for a job well done were right on, and that I was able to make a positive difference. That was satisfying. That felt good. That made me happy.
How do we work for satisfaction? What do we do?
True satisfaction demands dreaming and refletion. You have to ask yourself these questions:
- What makes me happy?
- What is my dream life?
- What can I do to achieve that?
- How can I best plan and prepare for satisfying efforts?
- How can I build my abilities in areas that bring greater satisfaction?
True satisfaction also demands that you trust yourself and your efforts to make better. When we make time to reflect, plan, and prepare, we generally create satisfying experiences and events for ourselves and others.
To reach satisfaction, you also have to be aware of experiences, feelings, and events that are unsatisfying--this demands reflection too with questions like these:
- When have I been unsatisfied and why did that happen?
- How could I have changed an unsatisfactory experience to a satisfactory experience?
- What do I need in order to live a more satisfying life?
Recently I experienced a satisfactory small event, an event that in the past was unsatisfactory. In the past, I just went along with what others told me to do in the situation, and this time, I spoke up and directed the event with greater planning and prep. Everyone was happier and the event was more satisfactory. That was positive, and reflection as well as some consult with somone who is successful with similar events led me in that direction.
Also, in another endeavor that I've committed to recently, I am increasingly satisfied. Each time I engage in that endeavor, I analyze what went well, and what didn't go as well. This has resulted in a satisfying pattern with regard to this effort.
In summary, don't overlook satisfaction--think deeply about what is satisfying in your life and what could be better. Then employ the steps to make your life more satifying. There is great joy and peace in this endeavor.