We’re excited to launch our first essay from our Inside Minimalism series, which will be delivered to your inbox every Wednesday.
Tom Brady and the Insatiability of More
By Joshua Hook
I listened to an old interview with Tom Brady the other day. It was from about 10 years ago, right after he had won his third Super Bowl. The interviewer asked him if he was satisfied, now that he had won three Super Bowls.
Satisfied?
He wasn’t. “I hope this isn’t it,” he said. “There’s got to be something more than this.”
Fast forward ten years. Tom Brady recently won his sixth Super Bowl. And he’s still not done. In a recent interview, Tom Brady was asked if there was any chance he would retire after the Super Bowl.
Zero chance. Brady isn’t done yet.
I have thought about those two interviews a lot in the past few weeks. I hope Brady finds what he is looking for.
The Insatiability of More
But it may not happen. When we keep going after “more,” we’re rarely satisfied. How much more do you need? Usually, it’s just a little more. In our society, we’re addicted to more, but it’s insatiable. More is never enough. It’s just the way more works.
Three Ways to Move Forward
What’s the alternative? How can we get off the hamster wheel of more and live a more satisfied life? Here are three things to consider and try:
Clarify Your Values
Sometimes we drive hard after something, but it’s not even that important to us. It’s just something society tells us we should do. This happens a lot with things like money, possessions, and popularity. Spend some time clarifying what is most important to you. Identify your top three values. Use your values as a measuring stick for how to spend your time, money, and resources.
Practice Gratitude
One of the reasons we are so consumed with getting more is that we are unsatisfied with what we have. Gratitude is a practice that can reverse this dissatisfaction. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to the good things you already have. One simple exercise is to reflect at the end of the day on three things you are thankful for.
Experiment with Less
The opposite of more is less. Try some simple strategies to experiment with having less. Go through your closet and pack up some clothes for goodwill. Instead of spending a Saturday drinking and spending money, volunteer your time at a food pantry or Habitat for Humanity. Sell some of your extra stuff on eBay. Importantly, pay attention to what happens when you experiment with less. Does your stress level go up or down? Does your happiness and satisfaction go up or down?
It’s great to achieve and accomplish things in your life. But don’t get caught up in a cycle where you are always pursuing more. You may never find what you are looking for. Instead, try to clarify your values, practice gratitude, and experiment with less.
Are any of your friends interested in minimalism?
If so, please invite them to subscribe.
Wow just what. I needed to hear some one to get me off the band wagon. I feel like I'm going in circles. I'm working on my bedroom and seems like. I can't get nothing done .I just don't have the strength. I feel like I'm in a rut .called depression.