Contentment - The Enemy of Invention

Nothing’s ever good enough, right?

If you’re anything like me, every achievement pales into insignificance just as soon as the cogs in your head start to turn afterward. Sometimes I curse the fact that I don’t allow myself the opportunity to bask in any glory, and that every new level I hit in business, or even life in general, suddenly seems to bring an all-consuming thirst for the next.

I’ve realised over time that this is a positive trait. Without the constant need to advance and grow we simply stagnate. Humans don’t stand still, you’re either moving forwards, or you’re moving backwards.

Somebody wiser than me once proclaimed contentment the enemy of invention. If ever you find yourself completely content, let yourself dream of the next goal, we’re at our best when we simply need to make something happen.

Recession-Proof

Years after the media started telling us we’re doomed, and yep, we’re still all doomed. You don’t need me to talk to you about the state of the economy, in fact you could be forgiven for injuring me for doing so.

Certain things survive a recession. People may want to pay less for them, but there will always be items or services that people prioritise above having money. Sorry, it’s another list.

  • Self-Improvement - In the UK, education is more expensive than ever, and the price continues to rocket, but people will still pay for it, it’s seen as investing in one’s self, and so it justifies huge amounts of expense, even in a world where information and opportunity is more accessible than ever.
  • Love - Dating sites will survive a recession, people will still buy valentines gifts, restaurants will still sell meals to couples. And they said money can’t buy love.
  • Memories - A quality photograph is cheaper than ever to produce, the industry is booming. People will always pay to encapsulate a moment.
  • Money Promises - This is a funny one. I saw an eBook on sale today, 10 tips to making money in a recession. I’m assuming it was a short .PDF - it was £15. It’s an old sales trick really, promise someone that if they buy something from you they will in turn make money out of it, and you’re laughing. If you deliver then fair enough, everyone wins, but I’d wager not many actually do deliver.

I’m sure there are more, in fact, get in touch with me if you think of more. I’m considering trying to be more scientific with this. Maybe I’ll write an eBook. Maybe I’ll promise the earth and sell it for a fortune.