According to a theory, titled the Fredrick Herzberg theory of motivation, people have two main satisfaction settings. Albeit, this theory is geared towards the working environment, the main idea still applies to general, everyday life. People have 6 main attributes to their satisfaction of themselves. A person needs achievement, recognition, responsibility, work itself, advancement, and growth. Like previously said, this theory was immediately recognized and applied to the happiness of workers. It can also be seen as a way to have the satisfaction personally as well.
Where as in work, the recognition is given from a boss, achievement is from tasks assigned from a boss, work itself is, of course, dictated by a boss. Advancement is granted by the boss. Every aspect that controls the satisfaction of yourself, is because of someone else, in these stances. However, put it personally. You assign your own work, and therefore you have to congratulate yourself, and do it well and loud. “You go self, you’re doing awesome. Keep up the good work!” You hold yourself responsible for the work you do, as well as don’t do. Sometimes, it’s a lot harder to tell yourself that you didn’t get anything done than it is to lie to your boss, you can’t lie to yourself about how much you did. One of the biggest attributes, that no matter what situation is up to the individual, is the growth aspect.
Other people can push you all they want, all you hint at, but no one will ever have as much say in your personal growth as yourself. And that is where the mantra comes into play.
Dissatisfaction is a symptom of ambition.
I’ll say it again.
Dissatisfaction is a symptom of ambition.
You will never taste disappointment if you do not set goals and finish them, or fail to do so. Ambition comes from goals, and a point to remember is that goals differ for everyone. They also are different day to day. Some days, my goal is to get out of bed and do the dishes, and I feel very accomplished when I go to the post office too. Other days my goal is to pass a test, attend 3 meetings, meet up with 2 people and finish all my homework by ten. And when I’m still up at 11 talking to someone that wasn’t a part of that plan, I feel disappointed. Yet, I still got everything done and then some.
There is a second mantra for those that are like me.
The opposite of satisfaction is not dissatisfaction.
Things are more than just black and white. I do not have to be ecstatic with my choices just to be happy, or even okay with them. There is also gray and gold and green in the mix. You do not have to hate yourself just because you didn’t finish your to do list as long as your arm. You also do not get to brag because you did finish the to do list as long as your leg. But no matter if you finish it all in record time, or with highest regards, you won’t get to know pride if you don’t know dissatisfaction or disappointment.
So all that being said, cheer yourself on, support yourself, and set goals. Make them be big, small, monumental, and miniscule. Make sure you know that it’s okay not to take over the world in a day, it is normal. I will say the mantras one last time. Dissatisfaction is simply a symptom of ambition, and the opposite of satisfaction IS NOT dissatisfaction. Be happy with the who, what, when, where you are.
