Finding Contentment in Slowing Down
“If I could just get to Kona, then I would be happy,” I told myself, honestly believing it. But the truth is, there’s always something else. Even after one goal is accomplished, we put the next one in its place, pushing out the happiness timeline again (and again)!
I just finished reading Kara Goucher’s book The Longest Race — which is excellent, by the way! 👍🏻
But, it got me thinking more about the relentless pursuit of the next big thing —whether it’s more training, more awards, or more fame, the pursuit of “more” can become all-consuming.
Even if you’re not an athlete, I think we all fall into the “if, then” trap.
Let me explain…
The Dangers of Making Winning Your Whole Life
Within the running world, Kara Goucher’s experiences shed light on the consequences of making winning our whole life. She was surrounded by a culture that constantly pushed for more, where nothing ever seemed to be enough.
This mindset eventually led to the doping scandals associated with the Nike Oregon Project.
READ: Inside the Toxic Culture of the Nike Oregon Project ‘Cult’
Even though Kara stood strong and refused to give in, she faced penalties simply because she was racing against a goal that couldn’t be achieved without compromising her own values.
Sometimes, we can be so consumed we don’t even realize we’re on a slippery slope—then, living that way slowly becomes the norm.
Putting anything as an idol in our lives can fall apart in an instant. I don’t want to get over-spiritual here, but any time we put earthly things ahead of God in our lives, we become misaligned.
The Illusion of External Milestones and Happiness
We all fall into the trap of believing that happiness/success/fulfillment is just on the other side of the next milestone.
Whether it’s wealth, a promotion, new fancy cars or houses, exotic vacations, or awards and recognition, we keep chasing a moving finish line…
If I just get that next promotion, then I’ll spend more time with my family.
Once I PR the marathon, then I’ll cut back on my training and prioritize my health.
When I get that new car, then I’ll finally start giving back and donating again.
Each time we think we’ve found happiness in reaching a milestone, it quickly fades away, with a brand new one appearing in its place. There’s no end in sight, and the pursuit of “more” becomes a vicious cycle that never truly fulfills us.
There’s ALWAYS something else – always.
Rediscovering Satisfaction on the Journey
The truth is that true satisfaction and happiness are inside jobs. Our joy and peace ultimately come from above, and it is important to slow down and discern what doors God is opening (and even which ones he’s closing).
Trust me, if you’re not happy with yourself now, you won’t be suddenly satisfied after the next benchmark.
But slowing down and appreciating the present moment allows us to find joy in the process rather than continuously chasing—and likely burning out along the way.
I realize saying life is about the journey and not the destination is a little cliche, but it holds a lot of truth.
Embracing the Journey Within
I get it. I live in the real world, too.
It’s easy to get caught in the comparison trap and feel like you’re never enough. The grass always looks greener, and our self-worth tied to the latest win.
But the reality is we’re already enough – just as we are.
In my personal experience, when I was constantly chasing one goal after another, I never gave myself the chance to question whether I truly wanted to qualify for Kona or if it was actually other people’s expectations guiding my decisions. (To this day, I can’t say for sure…)
But, let me ask you this:
What do you value?
It’s time to grab your journal, go for a walk, or have a heartfelt conversation with someone who truly understands. When we start aligning our actions with our values, we make more purposeful decisions and goals.
And the journey itself becomes the path to self-awareness and self-fulfillment.
The Wrap – More Never Enough
In the pursuit of “more,” we often lose sight of what truly brings us happiness and contentment.
Slowing down and giving ourselves the opportunity to pause, breathe, and pray is where it all starts.
Don’t get me wrong—I love goal-setting and working to achieve the next big challenge, but when we get stuck in a place where nothing will make us happy until we get it, that’s where we get stuck!
How can you learn to embrace the season you’re in right now?
Remember, if you’re not enough without it, you’ll never be enough with it.
I’m cheering you on…
XO,
jules
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