Discontent - What has it spurred you to improve? (spinoff)

**TheRootedNomad** · 03-04-2010, 08:07 AM

In reading another thread asking about how we find contentment when we are feeling discontent I realized that a big thing for me is that I don't. I don't try to be happy with what I have if I'm not. For each of us this could mean differnet things. When I become unhappy enough, discontented enough, with something, it is then that I am spurred into action and to grow. I think many of us do this whithout ever realizing it. What are some of the positive things you've done because you've found yourself discontent with something?

Here's just a few of mine:
~ went back to school
~ I learned how to tile and grout
~ I started excersizing
~ I harrassed and fought with my husband until we resolved an issue (several over the years actually) rather than let them fester and grow to bigger issues
~ I dyed the yucky faded sheets
~ I learned how to refinish furniture
~ I paid off my debt

Now don't get me wrong sometimes I have my private pity party first....then I get mad....then I ACT.

Bet you discontent has spurred you to improvement as well.

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.
~Oscar Wilde

Discontent is the first necessity of progress.
~Thomas A. Edison

Healthy discontent is the prelude to progress.
~Mohandas Gandhi

**miss_thrifty** · 03-04-2010, 10:01 AM

discontentment with hubby-
he was fed up with/job/bosses/ money
so he went back to school to get his grade 12.(working on that now. he has enough years of experince just needs to take test for his red seal in construction. = more money or for his own business--
Now not saying hubby doesnt get disgusted and have alot of frustrating days at school. he gets depressed if he will be ready in May for the exams and pass them all. But hes' trying and really wants this.

For me I want more clients by spring for house cleaning - I know I will and I know I want them in walking distance . I know I can achieve that also since I heard that this spring some of my clients neighbours are thinkin of getting some one to clean their houses also. They're very busy moms, busy life style and lots of kids. My client has given my name out(excellent reference) and when they're ready they'll let me know.

I know that I wont set me up for working 40 hours plus a week even if its offered . I know I could not work out that many hours out and away from my family, I would not be happy.
Unless something happens where Hubby could not work then yes I would take that roll.
I never thought I would want to work out and sad circumstances(loss of loved one) started me to take care of a lady in wheel chair . Now I'm house cleaning and love it.

**MaryCarney** · 03-04-2010, 10:25 AM

Mine made me finally complete my BS degree 36 years after I started it!

**ladykemma2** · 03-04-2010, 10:41 AM

discontent means i'm about to have some form of spiritual growth
spurt. i take action.

**dcompton** · 03-04-2010, 01:05 PM

Many, but one was quitting a job that had become intolerable. I was lucky and got a better one.

Another big one was changing my field of study when I already writing my doctoral dissertation. It felt like quitting, but I would have hated teaching in the field, all I could have done with it. It cost me 5 more years of college, but it was worth it and it has always felt like a lucky escape.

**frugalfranny** · 03-05-2010, 01:04 AM

Discontent has been a big motivator for me........made me buy a house......(was tired of paying rent)..........sent me back to school (was TOTALLY bored with a job and at the top of pay scale)....this has happened more than once with the job situation.

Made me take one huge, scary step and go off to live in a foreign country........TWICE! The growth, experience, and memories that this created probably did more than any education could have ever done! I rate it as one of the best 'experiences' of my life---even if some of the 'memories' aren't.

**2ndGenGranola** · 03-05-2010, 07:04 AM

Y'all have already touched on several points. The big thing for me was to turn off the TV. It is amazing how fast the "I wants" start up when that thing comes on. Not just in me but also hubby and the kids.

**Pianolady** · 03-08-2010, 02:57 PM

I guess I have a little different perspective. Discontentment isn't my motivation to improve our situations, that's a motivation I've always had regardless of our financial situation, etc. I guess that's a type A personality? I look for challenges, LOL. Happy is something I choose to be or choose not to be, so the two things don't go together for me. I do realize that's not for everyone too.

For example, I've also gone back to school, twice, fixed up 3 homes over the years, do all my own landscaping and home improvements, except electrical work (which I hire out). But, that's what I like to do, and has nothing to do with discontentment for me at least. It's my idea of fun, love a challenge and anything requiring me to learn something new.

**shoiji** · 03-10-2010, 01:41 PM

To many things to list but here are a few:

Tired of wondering where my money went. Now I know and there is still something leftover.

Sometimes all it takes is a couple of minutes and a little elbow grease and what you wanted to through away looks new again.

Took classes to change career path.

**peanut** · 03-10-2010, 09:30 PM

Discontent has played a major role in moving me forward in life.

I was discontent at university in the science department, so I switched to arts and took a liberal arts degree.

This turned out to be ideal for when I became discontent with the school system my children were in and pulled them out to homeschool. I had the broadest background of anyone else I knew homeschooling...it was a great resource to have!

Discontent with my surroundings led me to take up painting, and sewing, and stitching, and furniture refinishing.

Discontent with the school system and certain forms of homeschooling led me to write a book on the subject.

Discontent with my marriage led me to looking for solutions and embarking on a lifelong journey of self-improvement. It also led us to Marriage Encounter, which provided us with tools to help ourselves and save a bundle on counselling fees. It also ended up helping my DD early on in her marriage.

Discontent led me to learn to cook. It became apparent my older husband could cook the basics, but not the extras. I pined for Gram's cookies, etc. I learned to make them...and bake bread the old fashioned way.

Discontent with the cost of living led me to a frugal lifestyle. I wanted my frugal luxuries. It became a game. How much living could I squeeze out of a buck...without being "cheap".

Anyways...that's just a partial list. I could go on and on...

**pollypurebred39** · 03-10-2010, 10:07 PM

Hmm....I really had to think here

discontent with my run down home has spurned me to make serious redecorating efforts. I decided that even if I can't rip out the old kitchen, bath and other things I can make my home beautiful and cover the flaws till we can redo things for real. Someday soon I'll be able to have people in our home without being embarassed.

discontent with the lack of decent clothing in my closet I learned how to make skirts from old out of style dresses and make them new and fashionable again. I've learned how to make simple skirts from sheets, and how to make simple t-shirt dresses expanding my wardrobe considerably. I hope to soon learn how to use my sewing machine and expand my wardrobe even further.

**Nada.Leona** · 03-11-2010, 08:14 AM

Divorcing my ex-husband.

I also went into my relationship with my (current) husband with the knowledge of exactly what I wanted in a relationship -- I wanted to stay home, be a housewife, and raise babies. That was my goal. He accepted that.

**leighcat** · 03-12-2010, 08:48 PM

I make myself accept what I do have rather than get upset at what I don't have. It is really hard sometimes. I don't have the life I want at all, but my kids are healthy and I am lucky to have a job that I can pay the bills with. Plus I met one of my BIG goals of buying a house. As soon as I get into the house I will feel better. That is one really awesome goal to have met. I am happy about that.

I do wish I had an incredibly wonderful husband, but I don't. I guess if it is meant to be it will happen.

I wish I had a great career and could be so happy to go into work every day, but at least I have a job.

I wish I had a dishwasher instead of doing them by hand, but at least I have food to eat.

I wish I had a Mustang GT and a Toyota 4dr pickup, but at least I have a car that runs.

Discontentment is something we all have to work on in ourselves. Nobody has everything they want. Even super wealthy people don't have perfect lives. I guess this is just where I am right now in life and I have to accept it instead of getting sick over it. So, when I think about what I don't have and how bummed I am, I just try to be thankful that I do have what I NEED even if I don't have all that I WANT.