Balancing Dissatisfaction and Gratitude
Context
If we consider satisfaction to be a continuum, there may be dissatisfaction on one end and satisfaction on the other. However, there is a possibility to explore dissatisfaction and satisfaction as two different things, being both satisfied and dissatisfied at the same time? If we take this perspective, it may allow us to better understand where we exist on each and if we can shift to a healthy amount of both.
Outcome
Reflect on current attitudes of striving.
Bring balance to what we need to achieve our goals.
Main Questions
What’s the right balance of dissatisfaction and gratitude?
Can there be enjoyment in not being satisfied?
Is there anything we are doing right now as a team that we need to have this perspective on?
Citations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxN3jlfn5lg
Responses
I LOVE this session! I used it with several of my teams and it’s been fascinating to see how the “right balance” between dissatisfaction and gratitude has been different and very personal for each person. I did this session with a team that just had a disappointing loss, but still has ore season to play. I also did the session with a team who has girls on the team that range from overworking themselves and burning out….to girls who could benefit from having more drive and push themselves harder since they are currently self-limiting. It was great to see how this message resonated with everyone on the team in different ways. One way was I further described these mindsets in the session that’s been helpful is by saying that “dissatisfaction” is really describing the mindset of “staying hungry and never satisfied”. Then, by “gratitude” it’s really about that mindset of being “grateful for where you are and content in the moment”. This seemed to make sense for more of the athletes who had a hard time seeing how being “dissatisfied” can actually be beneficial.