Joyce Ann Isidro
Everyone of us has worries that plague us every day.
It makes me wonder: how does it feel to be rid of that kind of anxiety?
To live a life where the voices in your head telling you you should keep doing this and that are finally silent?
Well, the only people who live like that are those who are truly content in life.
They don’t waste time chasing things that, in the grand scheme of things, don’t really matter.
They’ve figured out what truly counts, and that’s what keeps them grounded, happy, and free from the never-ending chase.
So how can you live like them? Is there a secret thing, some sort of medication, that keeps them calm and content?
The good news is, you don’t have to take any medication to be content. You just have to learn to stop chasing these 9 things:
1) Validation from others
Seeking constant approval from others is a never-ending cycle, which can be emotionally draining.
Because being content means having a strong sense of self-worth, you’re free from that kind of torture when you find real contentment.
And people who are truly content with their lives have learned to choose not to subject themselves to that.
Instead, they focus on their own values, beliefs, and accomplishments, finding satisfaction in their own approval.
2) Perfection
Content people understand that perfection is an unrealistic goal.
They recognize that flaws and mistakes are part of being human—part of what makes us special—and they don’t waste time and energy striving for an unattainable standard.
Instead, they embrace their imperfections instead of correcting them, and they learn from their mistakes instead of avoiding them.
In the end, it helps them grow better and stronger.
3) Material possessions
People who are truly content never feel the need to fill their lives with material possessions that only bring temporary happiness, because they know these can never lead to lasting fulfillment.
What they value more are the real things—the people they meet, the experiences they make, and the stories they will tell for years to come.
Instead of investing in material things, they invest in memories, which bring them a deeper sense of joy and meaning.
4) Comparisons
Content people don’t measure their worth by comparing themselves to others.
They understand that everyone has their own unique journey, and it’s counterproductive to constantly compare.
Instead, they focus on their own progress, setting goals based on their desires and capabilities rather than the achievements of others.
5) Fleeting pleasures
Chasing quick thrills and instant gratification won’t lead to lasting happiness, and people who are truly content know this all too well.
That’s why they would rather prioritize meaningful experiences that make their life worth living, like nurturing friendships, finding love, and following their passions.
They understand that real contentment comes from the real stuff—not fleeting pleasures.
6) Unrealistic ideals
I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that being young means having unreastic, unbending beliefs.
We’d never sacrifice our principles for anything, because we have our whole faith on them.
But as you grow older and more content with your life, you will slowly realize that that is not a good way to live.
The best way to live is to accept people for who they are; to be willing to open yourself up to the beliefs of other people; and to admit that you’re wrong for the sake of the people you love.
That’s why being genuinely content means becoming the best version of your authentic self, continuously improving even while staying true to your core values.
7) Nonstop work
Content individuals know the value of relaxation and downtime.
They understand that a constant, hectic pace can lead to burnout and prevent them from truly enjoying their life.
It can be difficult, I know—I myself have trouble unlearning that—but when you finally learn to do it, it’s so freeing.
There’s nothing more liberating than knowing you don’t have to keep on working and working to the point of burnout to find true happiness.
To prioritze stillness, self-care, and leisure.
To allow yourself to recharge and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
It’s only when you learn how to stop and rest that true contentment finally begins.
8) Pleasing everyone
When you try to please everyone, you’re only setting yourself up for stress and disappointment.
And people who are truly content with their lives know that there’s no point chasing everyon’s approval because they recognize that it’s impossible to make everyone happy.
What’s more is that they don’t base their decisions solely on the opinions of others.
So instead of pleasing the people around them, they focus on making themself happy instead.
And if you want to be happy, perhaps it’s time to look inward and deliberate what makes you happy—that doesn’t involve anyone’s validation but yours—and then do the things you need to do to get to that.
9) Eternal youth
Everyone’s afraid of aging these days, and it’s understandable.
All over social media, we see people scaring us into buying anti-aging skin care because god forbid you grow wrinkles.
So when you stop caring about aging, that’s how you know you’re on your way to find true contentment.
The realization that eternal youth is pointless to chase because no one will ever find it is one of the most liberating feelings you could possibly get.
Instead of being afraid of the process of aging, people who are truly content live in the present—and each of us could certainly learn a thing or two from that.
Final thoughts
Finding a sense of contentment seems so easy, but we make it so complicated.
We’re too focused on the next trendy thing, on getting the approval of others, and on being in possession of material things that we forget to just live.
But true contentment comes from within, and it’s the only thing worth chasing after.
And the pursuit of contentment is not about avoiding ambition or setting aside personal goals; it’s about finding a balance between striving for growth and appreciating the present moment.
So if you want to find contentment, it’s time to let go of the shallow stuff and make way for the real things in life.
