"Plus tôt vous apprendrez que vous devez vous concentrer sur ce que vous avez et ne pas vous obséder sur ce que vous n'avez pas plus vous serez heureux"

The core idea is pretty straightforward: be content with what you have instead of constantly worrying about what you don’t. It’s all about gratitude. When you focus on the good things already in your life, you'll feel more satisfied and happy. Obsessing over what you lack? That only leads to frustration and unhappiness.

Think back to the Stoics in ancient Greece. They were big fans of this idea. Their philosophy was all about recognizing what’s within your control and what’s not. They believed that we should be grateful for what we already have and not waste energy on things we can't change.

Imagine you’re at work. You’ve got a decent job, nice colleagues, and a steady paycheck. But you catch yourself daydreaming about a corner office, a fatter paycheck, or maybe a company with a fancier reputation. Focusing on what you don’t have makes you miserable. Instead, think about the positives: you’ve got stability, a supportive team, and a role that’s building your skills. That shift in focus can make your daily grind feel a lot less grind-y.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start small. Each day, take a moment to jot down three things you’re grateful for. It could be anything—a sunny day, a good cup of coffee, or even just the fact that you have a roof over your head. Over time, this habit can shift your mindset. You’ll start to notice the good stuff more and the lack less.

Let me take you on a little scenario. Picture Sarah. She’s in her late 20s, working as a graphic designer. She follows a bunch of high-flying designers on Instagram and feels a twinge of jealousy every time she sees their posts. They’ve got sleek studios, high-profile clients, and huge followings. Sarah’s own setup feels modest in comparison. She’s got a cozy home office and a steady stream of local clients. But, influenced by social media, she can't help but feel she’s missing out.

One day, Sarah decides to shift her focus. She starts a gratitude journal and writes down things she appreciates about her current situation: the flexibility of working from home, the close-knit community she designs for, and the creative freedom she has. As days go by, she realizes how much she loves her work and how much joy it brings her. She even starts posting about her own projects and finds that her unique perspective attracts new clients who value her authenticity.

The trick is to catch yourself when you’re spiraling into that “I wish I had...” mindset. Think about what’s driving those thoughts. Is it comparison? Fear of missing out? Once you identify it, you can consciously redirect your focus to what you do have.

Next time you find yourself envying someone else’s life or possessions, remember Sarah. Picture her in her cozy home office, content with what she has, and think about how you can do the same. You’d be surprised how much happiness is hiding in plain sight, just waiting for you to acknowledge it.