Contentment. It’s an elusive state many of us chase, seemingly always out of reach. Yet, the keys to feeling more content and living in the present moment may lie within concepts we can easily adopt into our lives. This includes authenticity, ditching expectations, fostering a growth mindset, focusing on your values and goals, and prioritising self-care. Together with a few additional strategies, we can create a roadmap to feeling more content and capable of savouring the now.

Embrace Authentic Living

True contentment stems from a place of authenticity, of being true to oneself. It’s about acknowledging your individuality, embracing your strengths, and accepting your weaknesses. It’s about living in alignment with your true self, unswayed by external opinions. The more authentic you are, the easier it becomes to feel content and be present, for you are living life on your terms.

Ditch the Expectations

We often carry the weight of societal and personal expectations on our shoulders, and this burden can hinder our ability to feel content and live in the moment. These expectations can paint a picture of an ‘ideal’ life that may not align with our authentic selves. Freeing ourselves from these expectations opens the door to a more contented life.

Adopt a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed with time and effort. It shifts the focus from the outcome to the process, allowing us to take pleasure in the journey rather than merely anticipating the destination. By adopting a growth mindset, we can foster resilience, embrace challenges, and ultimately, find contentment in our progress.

Identify Your Values and Pursue Your Goals

Identifying your values and setting goals in accordance with them brings a sense of purpose to your life. It gives you a clear direction and a basis upon which to make decisions. When your actions align with your values, you naturally find more satisfaction and contentment in what you do.

Prioritise Self-Care

Self-care is integral to feeling content and living in the now. Nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional health creates a balanced foundation from which you can fully engage with life. This could mean nourishing your body with healthy foods, taking time to rest, or engaging in activities you love.

Practice Gratitude

Fostering a sense of gratitude can significantly boost your contentment. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking in your life to what’s present and positive. This practice can be as simple as maintaining a gratitude journal or taking a moment each day to acknowledge what you’re thankful for.

Cultivate Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It allows us to fully engage with our current experience, fostering a greater sense of peace and contentment. Mindfulness can be cultivated through techniques such as meditation, mindful eating, and mindful walking.

Foster Healthy Relationships

Relationships play a significant role in our contentment. Surrounding ourselves with positive, supportive people can uplift our spirits and enhance our sense of satisfaction with life. Foster relationships that enrich your life and encourage your growth.

Foster Acceptance

Contentment often involves a level of acceptance – acceptance of yourself, others, and the circumstances of your life. This isn’t about resignation or complacency, but rather recognising and making peace with the reality of the present moment. From this place of acceptance, we can then make conscious choices to create the changes we desire.

Breaking My Addictions Summary

Contentment and living in the now aren’t as elusive as they seem. By embracing authentic living, letting go of expectations, cultivating a growth mindset, aligning your actions with your values, and prioritising self-care, you can experience greater contentment. Practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, fostering healthy relationships, and acceptance further enhance this state. The journey to contentment may require effort, but the resulting peace and satisfaction make it well worth the undertaking.