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The Value of Discontent

Posted By: Randy GageApril 11, 2011

Gandhi once said healthy discontent is the prelude to progress.  So true.  And so true in your own life…

Because the person who thinks they have it made or thinks they’ve achieved it all, is slowly slipping backward to mediocrity.  Or quickly slipping backward...

The late, great Reverend Eric Butterworth called it “Divine Discontent.”  Meaning that your dissatisfaction with the way things are, is simply God pulling you to something greater.

So think about what you’re really unsatisfied with in your life right now…

Ain’t it great!

-RG

34 comments on “The Value of Discontent”

  1. How funny, I was just reading about exactly this in your book "Prosperity Mind", and put it out on FB quoting part of the book there, because that is SO important to continue developing in your life. I love this book!!!!
    Thank You Randy.

  2. Randy,

    I am from Brazil and I read some yours. I'm your fan and admire you from the moment I read them to his work. You are wonderful, authentic, yet simple. I'll never forget his words, which I use constantly in the practice of my daily actions.

    Thank you for exist and make this world better!

    Kley Macedo

  3. Randy,

    You know, one of my biggest dreams is to know you personally and to exchange ideas fluently in their language.

    I love you. Always get your post and am delighted with so much wealth.

    Kley

  4. I am a little confused.

    I was reading something the other day that said in order to move forward you need to be happy with where you are in life, happy with your current health, current wealth, and current happiness. And then work on making them better...but in order to make them better you would think that there would be some kind of discontent?

    Here you are saying what I feel sometimes, not content with my current wealth and pressing to make things better because of the discontent...

    ??

    1. I believe it could've been pointing towards gratitude. Even though discontent might be felt, staying at a state of gratitude is powerful on our journey to progress.

      Sonny

    2. You want to be grateful for what you have. But people who say you should be happy where you are are infected with a lack mind virus. Or to be more specific, choose to be happy, but not satisfied.

      -RG

      1. "But people who say you should be happy where you are are infected with a lack mind virus".That is true. I leave friends of mine who said to me that message. I just want to say I am happy today for what i achieved because of a belief "I can do a lot more". I am not satisfied today so I always find more and more success.

    3. I can see why it would be a bit confusing- but while I feel grateful for the good people in my life, and the assets I do have- I realize that I do no favors to anyone by settling with what I have. Both of Randy's posts relate to responsibility: take accountability for yourself and be grateful for the assets you already have to better yourself.

      I serve those I'm grateful for by trying to be my best self and never accepting anything less than progress.

  5. Adversity fuels a fire prosperity could never form. When you're entirely comfortable with how things are, you're not moving. When you get a little agitated, feel a little pushed, that's when the spark is lit and wonderful things can happen in your life if you honor your divine calling, and quit complaining. Thanks Randy!

    RB

  6. Perfect timing, I've been feeling discontent with where I'm at in life even though I have a great job, wife, and many things to be grateful for. I feel my purpose is greater, to travel, moore and help others doing missionary work, and the things i feel matter more. I feel stuck because i have debt to pay off, but i know with much prayer, and patience i will be lead and doors will open.

    Thanks for sharing Randy,
    Sonny

  7. So true! Just had this exact conversation with a friend of mine at the store this afternoon. My grandfather used to tell me when I was young, if you think you know everything you are dead. Now I know that sounds extreme but it is so true. I have come to the conclusion that we will never be "THERE" wherever "THERE" is, even for those of us who believe in the afterlife. It will be a constant journey to be like the one who created us, as it is now. So we should thirst for expansion of our mind, the physical and spirituality without ceasing!

    1. I like this Jack. You are either growing or you are dying, is what my father used to say. I still believe, as the bible states, that their are seasons in life and in the seasons of struggles of discontent , it is intended for us to strengthen and grow. It also states that we should strive for contentment, whatever our present circumstances are, not to accept them, but to take ease knowing that, this to shall pass, and strength will be given if asked for. For whatever reason, we humans don't tend to grow or prosper until we feel some pain.

      1. And the Bible also says the Kingdom of Heaven is within and that the Kingdom is at hand. This to me means that everything we are looking and searching for is right where we are, right now, we just have to recognize it and accept it. We do this by practicing the Presence, seeking first the Kingdom.

  8. Ecclasiastes ch. 3, verse 1 helps clarify this blog topic for me.
    There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
    a time to be born and a time to die
    a time to plant and a time to uproot
    a time to kill and a time to heal
    a time to tear down and a time to build
    a time to weep and a time to laugh
    a time to mourn and a time to dance
    a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain
    a time to search and a time to give up
    a time to keep and a time to throw away
    a time to tear and a time to mend
    a time to be silent and a time to speak
    a time to love and a time to hate
    a time for war and a time for peace.

  9. Randy, I really like the simplicity of being grateful for what I have yet being unsatisfied. I'm really grateful for my wonderful home, where I feel really comfortable and at peace. I'm also incredibly grateful for my car, which I love dearly and really enjoy driving. I take care of her and she takes care of me and we have a lot of fun together. I feel like we're best friends!

    I am unsatisfied with my income, health and relationship status and I've been taking action on all of them. This year my professional development has come into the spotlight. Both recognition and opportunities have opened up. It's a good feeling.

  10. Randy:

    Family status: happy, it has improved a lot but looking for more even BETTER
    Employment situation: not happy, even though I have not encouraged the search for a new job. I'm not happy with my income, I am not happy. Also in Argentina inflation is becoming worse and my income is the same. How to improve it? I guess I have to take action today and look for another job in addition to today.
    Professional status: stable, but what happens is that since I started my own business that I have no desire to improve the professional engineering area, but if I'm working hard on my personal development. Perhaps never wanted to be an engineer "? Maybe I just did it to fulfill a dream of my father.
    So, sensei, I am in search of improving my work situation immediately and my income. While doing my part-time business.
    Very very happy with the company I am since 2010, working part time with friends and search for the best. A hug

    1. With regard to not being happy with your income, may be the solution is to look for another job, however, I would suggest first working on yourself. We all earn what we think (subconsciously) we are worth. One cannot consistently outperform their self-image. If your self-image and self-worth increase, either your current employer will pay you more or a new opportunity will knock. You must be ready first. In life, we get what we are, not what we want. Hope this helps.

  11. We just studied Divine Discontent in our Science of Mind class work. I love the distinction. I am Divinely P.O'd in any area of life where there is no abundance.

    1. JT- Abundance is in all areas of your life right now- it's all around you, right where you are. Recognize and accept it by recognizing the Truth of who you are and who's you are.

  12. Randy, I completely agree.
    Having experienced this "Divine Discontent" I can tell you, and others, that it acts as a wake up call, a tap on the shoulder from God. And you ignore it at your peril.
    I would like to add a disclaimer though!!! The feeling of discontent does need to be weighed and balanced. Do you have 2 or 3 people whom you trust, that you seek counsel from? If so, then consult with them. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but having made yourself accountable, you know that there is support available if things don't work out.
    I thank God that my decisions did. And I am just about to embark on a new time in my life, having once again been "tapped on the shoulder". I'm leaving the UK for Canada for a time. Risky, yes. Right, most definately.

  13. Create & Grow The Business

    How true this is.

    Grateful and Satisfied are such different words to me. One I feel daily … and one I hope I never feel completely. 

    What I have experienced lately is that the more I achieve, the more I want to stretch myself and the bigger my vision for myself expands. I desire things now that I would never have sought in the past because I had not grown enough internally to create a space in me for them to be drawn. I didn’t believe I was worthy or deserved them. I am coming to know better now. Create your dream – from the inside out. 🙂

    You have to step out on the journey of a thousand steps with the first one of faith. I believe that is the way it is supposed to work. Good hearts, good works and a desire to leave this planet a better place and yourself a better soul are rewarded with the blessing of opportunities …

    I remember Randy saying at some point(s) in the past, ‘God will give you your next assignment when you have outgrown your current one.’ LOVE what you have and where you are, but never lose sight of the ever-expanding horizon.

    We sell our possibilities and our capabilities so short, we humans.

    Not gonna do that anymore!

    K

    1. Ha ha ... please disregard the first line of my post above.

      Ah the beauty of cut and paste - but watch how much text you select! Drafted the post at the bottom of a brainstorming list. Ooops.

      So good to giggle at yourself once in a while! 😉

  14. So let me see if I have this straight. This is like that Rolling Stones song. And the last post and this post are related through the lyrics. Self-discipline= "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" "I can't get no girl reaction". 🙂 I'm clearly still working on self-control. I am sure that the Rolling Stones had "Divine Discontent". That song really was a protest song.

  15. Oh Such perfect timing RG!!! Just yesterday I wrote on fb that it's a lie that parents say "we are always doing the best we can!"

    I shared that if you believe you're doing the best I have a few concerns:

    1. There's no greater to grow into
    2. It's a con - no one can do their best ALL the time
    3. You aren't being authentic
    4. When you do mess up or make a mistake and call that your best then you kill your self esteem, if your best is failure
    5. Someone feeling like a failure is a great motivator to get them to repair the damage. Just saying "you're doing the best you can" makes them fob off the feelings of not doing well, not seeking help, and not changing.
    6. It's sugar coated shit - when you know you've done average yet pretend it's the best you are
    7. Being real with where you are allows you the struggle and impetus to become the best.
    8. In this culture of feeling good/being happy/faking it til we make it/staying positive we don't allow the gifts of pain to propel our potential into better bests!

    Thanks RG for the word "DISCONTENT" - that's exactly what I was looking for you!

    1. Remember that when we mess up in life, or do well for that matter, that is just in our role that we are playing (owner, employee, husband, wife, father, etc.) It has nothing to do with our identity, who we really are as holy, perfect children of God. Our identity is we are ALWAYS The trap is we tie our identity to our role performance.

      1. I agree with you on this Joe. I think that most of us do live in performance instead of in truth. I have met very few people in my life that are capable or exercise living in truth. It's as if we have the luxury of a dress rehearsal, or that our own self identities are something we need to create.

    2. Not sure I agree exactly with this perspective in total.

      From a spiritual perspective, I believe we absolutely are all doing our very best all of the time.

      And, I think we can do our very best and still not be 'satisfied' with the outcome ... from that springs the desire to grow. 🙂 But as Joe says, what we do is not who we are. And beating oneself up would certainly not be a productive way to change for the better.

      1. I agree Kimbralee. Most people are doing the best they can for where they are on the journey. And, you are so right, saying to ourselves our best isn't good enough, is usually just depressing. How about, "I am doing my best, but I know I will do even better in the future!" I was taught clinical mental and spiritual health practice from a strengths perspective which is exactly what you are talking about! It is where you focus on what strengths someone has, to help them achieve whatever their true best might be (or at least somewhere
        close).

        However, I get what your saying Natalie. If someone says they are doing their best,as in "it won't get any better than this, I give up", when they could learn to be better, that is a problem.

        Here is a question, for anyone: If we are truly doing the best we can at something can't we have satisfaction at least for a little while? Or have satisfaction in some areas of our life, if not in all?

        Annie

  16. what a great point, I just realized "divine discontent" is such a wonderful opportunity. thank you Randy for inspiring me again. lupe

  17. I try to identify areas which need improvement and focus on, dwell on what is good.

    I am behind so jumping to next blog.

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  • 34 comments on “The Value of Discontent”

    1. How funny, I was just reading about exactly this in your book "Prosperity Mind", and put it out on FB quoting part of the book there, because that is SO important to continue developing in your life. I love this book!!!!
      Thank You Randy.

    2. Randy,

      I am from Brazil and I read some yours. I'm your fan and admire you from the moment I read them to his work. You are wonderful, authentic, yet simple. I'll never forget his words, which I use constantly in the practice of my daily actions.

      Thank you for exist and make this world better!

      Kley Macedo

    3. Randy,

      You know, one of my biggest dreams is to know you personally and to exchange ideas fluently in their language.

      I love you. Always get your post and am delighted with so much wealth.

      Kley

    4. I am a little confused.

      I was reading something the other day that said in order to move forward you need to be happy with where you are in life, happy with your current health, current wealth, and current happiness. And then work on making them better...but in order to make them better you would think that there would be some kind of discontent?

      Here you are saying what I feel sometimes, not content with my current wealth and pressing to make things better because of the discontent...

      ??

      1. I believe it could've been pointing towards gratitude. Even though discontent might be felt, staying at a state of gratitude is powerful on our journey to progress.

        Sonny

      2. You want to be grateful for what you have. But people who say you should be happy where you are are infected with a lack mind virus. Or to be more specific, choose to be happy, but not satisfied.

        -RG

        1. "But people who say you should be happy where you are are infected with a lack mind virus".That is true. I leave friends of mine who said to me that message. I just want to say I am happy today for what i achieved because of a belief "I can do a lot more". I am not satisfied today so I always find more and more success.

      3. I can see why it would be a bit confusing- but while I feel grateful for the good people in my life, and the assets I do have- I realize that I do no favors to anyone by settling with what I have. Both of Randy's posts relate to responsibility: take accountability for yourself and be grateful for the assets you already have to better yourself.

        I serve those I'm grateful for by trying to be my best self and never accepting anything less than progress.

    5. Adversity fuels a fire prosperity could never form. When you're entirely comfortable with how things are, you're not moving. When you get a little agitated, feel a little pushed, that's when the spark is lit and wonderful things can happen in your life if you honor your divine calling, and quit complaining. Thanks Randy!

      RB

    6. Perfect timing, I've been feeling discontent with where I'm at in life even though I have a great job, wife, and many things to be grateful for. I feel my purpose is greater, to travel, moore and help others doing missionary work, and the things i feel matter more. I feel stuck because i have debt to pay off, but i know with much prayer, and patience i will be lead and doors will open.

      Thanks for sharing Randy,
      Sonny

    7. So true! Just had this exact conversation with a friend of mine at the store this afternoon. My grandfather used to tell me when I was young, if you think you know everything you are dead. Now I know that sounds extreme but it is so true. I have come to the conclusion that we will never be "THERE" wherever "THERE" is, even for those of us who believe in the afterlife. It will be a constant journey to be like the one who created us, as it is now. So we should thirst for expansion of our mind, the physical and spirituality without ceasing!

      1. I like this Jack. You are either growing or you are dying, is what my father used to say. I still believe, as the bible states, that their are seasons in life and in the seasons of struggles of discontent , it is intended for us to strengthen and grow. It also states that we should strive for contentment, whatever our present circumstances are, not to accept them, but to take ease knowing that, this to shall pass, and strength will be given if asked for. For whatever reason, we humans don't tend to grow or prosper until we feel some pain.

        1. And the Bible also says the Kingdom of Heaven is within and that the Kingdom is at hand. This to me means that everything we are looking and searching for is right where we are, right now, we just have to recognize it and accept it. We do this by practicing the Presence, seeking first the Kingdom.

    8. Ecclasiastes ch. 3, verse 1 helps clarify this blog topic for me.
      There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
      a time to be born and a time to die
      a time to plant and a time to uproot
      a time to kill and a time to heal
      a time to tear down and a time to build
      a time to weep and a time to laugh
      a time to mourn and a time to dance
      a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.
      a time to embrace and a time to refrain
      a time to search and a time to give up
      a time to keep and a time to throw away
      a time to tear and a time to mend
      a time to be silent and a time to speak
      a time to love and a time to hate
      a time for war and a time for peace.

    9. Randy, I really like the simplicity of being grateful for what I have yet being unsatisfied. I'm really grateful for my wonderful home, where I feel really comfortable and at peace. I'm also incredibly grateful for my car, which I love dearly and really enjoy driving. I take care of her and she takes care of me and we have a lot of fun together. I feel like we're best friends!

      I am unsatisfied with my income, health and relationship status and I've been taking action on all of them. This year my professional development has come into the spotlight. Both recognition and opportunities have opened up. It's a good feeling.

    10. Randy:

      Family status: happy, it has improved a lot but looking for more even BETTER
      Employment situation: not happy, even though I have not encouraged the search for a new job. I'm not happy with my income, I am not happy. Also in Argentina inflation is becoming worse and my income is the same. How to improve it? I guess I have to take action today and look for another job in addition to today.
      Professional status: stable, but what happens is that since I started my own business that I have no desire to improve the professional engineering area, but if I'm working hard on my personal development. Perhaps never wanted to be an engineer "? Maybe I just did it to fulfill a dream of my father.
      So, sensei, I am in search of improving my work situation immediately and my income. While doing my part-time business.
      Very very happy with the company I am since 2010, working part time with friends and search for the best. A hug

      1. With regard to not being happy with your income, may be the solution is to look for another job, however, I would suggest first working on yourself. We all earn what we think (subconsciously) we are worth. One cannot consistently outperform their self-image. If your self-image and self-worth increase, either your current employer will pay you more or a new opportunity will knock. You must be ready first. In life, we get what we are, not what we want. Hope this helps.

    11. We just studied Divine Discontent in our Science of Mind class work. I love the distinction. I am Divinely P.O'd in any area of life where there is no abundance.

      1. JT- Abundance is in all areas of your life right now- it's all around you, right where you are. Recognize and accept it by recognizing the Truth of who you are and who's you are.

    12. Randy, I completely agree.
      Having experienced this "Divine Discontent" I can tell you, and others, that it acts as a wake up call, a tap on the shoulder from God. And you ignore it at your peril.
      I would like to add a disclaimer though!!! The feeling of discontent does need to be weighed and balanced. Do you have 2 or 3 people whom you trust, that you seek counsel from? If so, then consult with them. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but having made yourself accountable, you know that there is support available if things don't work out.
      I thank God that my decisions did. And I am just about to embark on a new time in my life, having once again been "tapped on the shoulder". I'm leaving the UK for Canada for a time. Risky, yes. Right, most definately.

    13. Create & Grow The Business

      How true this is.

      Grateful and Satisfied are such different words to me. One I feel daily … and one I hope I never feel completely. 

      What I have experienced lately is that the more I achieve, the more I want to stretch myself and the bigger my vision for myself expands. I desire things now that I would never have sought in the past because I had not grown enough internally to create a space in me for them to be drawn. I didn’t believe I was worthy or deserved them. I am coming to know better now. Create your dream – from the inside out. 🙂

      You have to step out on the journey of a thousand steps with the first one of faith. I believe that is the way it is supposed to work. Good hearts, good works and a desire to leave this planet a better place and yourself a better soul are rewarded with the blessing of opportunities …

      I remember Randy saying at some point(s) in the past, ‘God will give you your next assignment when you have outgrown your current one.’ LOVE what you have and where you are, but never lose sight of the ever-expanding horizon.

      We sell our possibilities and our capabilities so short, we humans.

      Not gonna do that anymore!

      K

      1. Ha ha ... please disregard the first line of my post above.

        Ah the beauty of cut and paste - but watch how much text you select! Drafted the post at the bottom of a brainstorming list. Ooops.

        So good to giggle at yourself once in a while! 😉

    14. So let me see if I have this straight. This is like that Rolling Stones song. And the last post and this post are related through the lyrics. Self-discipline= "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" "I can't get no girl reaction". 🙂 I'm clearly still working on self-control. I am sure that the Rolling Stones had "Divine Discontent". That song really was a protest song.

    15. Oh Such perfect timing RG!!! Just yesterday I wrote on fb that it's a lie that parents say "we are always doing the best we can!"

      I shared that if you believe you're doing the best I have a few concerns:

      1. There's no greater to grow into
      2. It's a con - no one can do their best ALL the time
      3. You aren't being authentic
      4. When you do mess up or make a mistake and call that your best then you kill your self esteem, if your best is failure
      5. Someone feeling like a failure is a great motivator to get them to repair the damage. Just saying "you're doing the best you can" makes them fob off the feelings of not doing well, not seeking help, and not changing.
      6. It's sugar coated shit - when you know you've done average yet pretend it's the best you are
      7. Being real with where you are allows you the struggle and impetus to become the best.
      8. In this culture of feeling good/being happy/faking it til we make it/staying positive we don't allow the gifts of pain to propel our potential into better bests!

      Thanks RG for the word "DISCONTENT" - that's exactly what I was looking for you!

      1. Remember that when we mess up in life, or do well for that matter, that is just in our role that we are playing (owner, employee, husband, wife, father, etc.) It has nothing to do with our identity, who we really are as holy, perfect children of God. Our identity is we are ALWAYS The trap is we tie our identity to our role performance.

        1. I agree with you on this Joe. I think that most of us do live in performance instead of in truth. I have met very few people in my life that are capable or exercise living in truth. It's as if we have the luxury of a dress rehearsal, or that our own self identities are something we need to create.

      2. Not sure I agree exactly with this perspective in total.

        From a spiritual perspective, I believe we absolutely are all doing our very best all of the time.

        And, I think we can do our very best and still not be 'satisfied' with the outcome ... from that springs the desire to grow. 🙂 But as Joe says, what we do is not who we are. And beating oneself up would certainly not be a productive way to change for the better.

        1. I agree Kimbralee. Most people are doing the best they can for where they are on the journey. And, you are so right, saying to ourselves our best isn't good enough, is usually just depressing. How about, "I am doing my best, but I know I will do even better in the future!" I was taught clinical mental and spiritual health practice from a strengths perspective which is exactly what you are talking about! It is where you focus on what strengths someone has, to help them achieve whatever their true best might be (or at least somewhere
          close).

          However, I get what your saying Natalie. If someone says they are doing their best,as in "it won't get any better than this, I give up", when they could learn to be better, that is a problem.

          Here is a question, for anyone: If we are truly doing the best we can at something can't we have satisfaction at least for a little while? Or have satisfaction in some areas of our life, if not in all?

          Annie

    16. what a great point, I just realized "divine discontent" is such a wonderful opportunity. thank you Randy for inspiring me again. lupe

    17. I try to identify areas which need improvement and focus on, dwell on what is good.

      I am behind so jumping to next blog.

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