Choking on More

by Liz Dadanian

A major tenet of our American culture is the pursuit of more. We are bombarded with constant reminders that you can always be healthier, sexier, prettier, richer, faster, smoother, lighter, leaner, harder, handsomer – the list goes on.  These messages prod us to stay on a delirious loop of forever pushing ourselves to be more, do more, acquire more, and have more.

Having said this, I will be the first to admit that sometimes there is nothing more fun than indulging in a luxury item or getting some retail therapy. And I’m certainly not suggesting that we all leave the grid and build log cabins in the woods. But there is plenty of room to consider the benefits derived from becoming more aware of when the value of consumption reaches diminishing returns.

It is ironic how often the pursuit of more leaves people feeling bereft and empty. When all our effort and energy is constantly focused on amassing more, we usually end up totally depleted. Worse, we lose our ability to remember what satisfaction feels like. We’ve blown past staying hungry, because we actually believe we are starving.

Think of the interactions you have with the five people you spend the most time with. Chances are at least one of them obsesses a lot about not having enough of something; time, money, love, attention, luck, profits, or possessions. Because there is no limit to how much you can get of these things, they will move further away each time you take a step toward them. When we cling to the mindset of always needing more, we seal our fate to always feel unsatisfied.

The fix is fairly simple. Commit to getting off the hamster wheel for at least fifteen minutes a day. During that time, consciously disengage from a mindset of more and shift to one of appreciation and gratitude. Think of all the areas of your life that are enough or even abundant. Fully appreciate what is good about yourself and your life.  If you have food and clean water, a roof over your head, someone who cares about you, are in relatively good health, and own a warm winter coat, then you can do this.

The things you take the time to value will expand in your awareness. When you want to feel rich, appreciate what you already have. In time, you’ll notice that your mind will rewire itself to noticing what is wonderful and perfect about your life. Your newfound outlook will open doorways to the kind of purpose, creativity, and satisfaction that consumption alone could never deliver.