It's Not Always Right to Be Right

Chapter 16Constant Dissatisfaction

Considered to be the godfather of American psychology, William James was a man after my own heart.

He held some pretty firm views on the topic of satisfaction. According to him, the struggle to alleviate dissatisfaction and return to a satisfied state is what drives human activity and human development.

Big call.

But it's a call that supports me being a miserable bugger who is always wanting more.

I think we would have got on well.

THE MESSAGE

In this chapter I'll get a bit into the theory of dissatisfaction and why I feel it works for me (and the pitfalls of this approach for others), but then I want to stop talking directly about dissatisfaction. Although I like the subject and, to me, it's a cool discussion point, the real message behind this chapter is slightly different.

The message goes like this: it does not matter whether you have a driving thirst for change or you are completely comfortable with the status quo. What matters is that you're aware of your preference, and that you're aware of your talents relating to that preference. As a result, you need to get yourself an assignment or a job that's right for you, your company and that particular point in time. This is what matters.

For as long as I can remember I have been told two things: the first is that I am constantly dissatisfied. The second is that I was born with a constant frown on my face.

I am okay with the first comment; I get it completely. In regard to the second, ...