'Permission for More: A Tale of Being Driven by Dissatisfaction'

Several years ago when I was living in Marina del Rey, California, I was really into stand-up paddling. There was a group of paddlers that would go out on Wednesday evenings. It was a spectacular outing on the water, among the boats and sea lions, and watching the sun set over the marina.

The evening would begin with lining up getting outfitted for the trip. The leaders would give everyone a basic board and paddle, and there were lifejackets for the majority of attendees, whom we regulars affectionately referred to as ‘the Grouponers’. 

It was standard for everyone to get a large beginner’s board, since most of the guests there would be most comfortable on them. You’re much less likely to lose your balance and fall in the water with a wider board.

However, I was a pretty good paddler by then, and was starting to get really frustrated by the slowness of the big, clunky boards. I also wanted to keep up with the pros of the group to socialize with them versus the others. 

But they never gave racing boards to anyone else but the crew. Even the lead guy’s girlfriend was relegated to a fat board! (He’d apparently grown tired of fishing her out of the water too many times on these outings.)

And it was at that moment, one of my personal, familiar instincts kicked in: When I become irritated, I immediately seek a better situation. 

My dissatisfaction propelled me to a state of courage. 

I walked up and nicely—but directly—asked the guys for a racing board. “Hey guys, can I get a racing board tonight?” 

Then I shut up and waited. 

Pausing their conversation, they considered my request.

(They weren’t even supposed to rent out these boards. Officially they were demos for sale. I’d tried them just a few times as a friend had one, and I loved them. It was a totally different experience. And to be frank, they looked so cool. They’re much slimmer with a sharply tapered bow in front that cuts through the water. You can go about three times as fast, but you have to have great balance and good paddling skill, so most people flounder on them.) 

After glancing at each other, and a bit of back and forth, one of the guys vouched for me (he’d seen me on the water before), and they brought out one of their few coveted Bark racing boards from the back of the truck. It was a gorgeous hot orange color and looked brand new.

Our group of 30 took off in the water, and I happily shot ahead with the pros. I was in paddling heaven, jetting through the water with the ocean breeze in my hair. 

Later on, the rest of the group caught up with us at the far end of the marina to watch the sun set over the ocean. One of the regulars paddled up next to me, out of breath and half-jokingly exclaimed, “Hey! That’s not fair… How did you get that board?” 

I said, “Oh! I just asked them for it.” 

She nearly stopped mid-stroke, stunned, taking in the fact. I’ll never forget her exact words: “I…I didn’t know you could do that.”

I have a feeling she remembered that going forward. And I took it in too.

Isn’t this how many of us go through life? Not asking, not realizing, not seeing opportunities when they are right in front of us. 

It’s important to always stay in gratitude for what we have, but it’s also okay to give ourselves permission to go for even better. 

That’s how we grow, achieve, and feel our way into our higher levels in this world.

The other half of the battle is knowing what we want, and asking for it. 

Now, let's look at the current time however...

We are in an interesting transition right now, where many of us have had our desires taken away from us... from our main livelihoods to our favorite restaurants to an afternoon of shopping to the freedom of travel. 

A lot of that we cannot change at this time. 

But what if you viewed this as a powerful time to not only get clear on what you have always really wanted, but...

...go after it.

Let the agitation and uncomfortableness fuel you to create your own new, higher ground.

What if — because it’s true — these few months will go down as just one long, strange chapter in the book? 

And right now is our pivotal time to choose what’s next? 

And, in the midst of our being trained to accept less in our everyday lives right now, it’s not only okay to want MORE, plan MORE, and get MORE excited about what’s to come — your next chapter may depend on it.

So 'have a think'... 

What’s your MORE? 

It could be doing something additional to what you’re doing now, or jettisoning your current ventures to do something else entirely.

And remember, 'more' doesn't equate to increased quantity.

(If you desire, swap it for the word 'better'.)

What feels like ‘more’ to YOU won’t feel the same to someone else. 

Some varied food for thought...

·      Shifting your model to truly suit how you like to work

·      Shifting your market to work with only your favorite types of clients

·      Blowing up your current venture entirely and doing something completely different

·      Leaving your job and starting the business you’ve always wanted 

·      Launching a creative project such as a video series or podcast, writing, or other production

·      Concentrating your workload to enrich your family life with more quality time and activities

·      Investing in your health to feel great and boost your immune system 

·      ???____________??? (You fill in the blank.)

So what’s YOUR more?

Do you know right off the bat? Or are you in the consideration phase? Drop me a note below in the comments and let’s talk about it.