“Be content but not satisfied,” is a quote from Robin Sharma’s new best seller, “The Leader Who Had No Title.” This book is not only brilliant but remarkably timely. We are amidst one of the most exciting times in our history, as well as one of the greatest times of uncertainty we have ever seen. The speed of change in our world today is causing enormous uncertainty for many people but history tells us, with great change comes even greater opportunity. The internet alone for example has opened up countless millions of opportunities that were unheard of less than a decade ago.

Apple has revolutionized the world with its Mac, Ipod and Iphone so why do they bother with all the hoopla of another new product? Why doesn’t Apple just sit back, relax and be satisfied with the success they have already created? Why don’t they just improve on the products they already have enormous market share in and stop innovating? They don’t because Apple is a company that is “content but never satisfied.” Apple knows that once they become satisfied, as so many others do, all forward motion stops.

We must understand that standing still is nothing but an illusion as we are either moving forward or moving backward. When we sit back and rest on the laurels of our past success, we stop creating and ignore any desire to innovate. When we stop creating and innovating, all forward motion stops and unfortunately, the only direction left to go is backwards.

I picked up the latest issue of Fast Company magazine while travelling a couple of weeks ago which featured Mark Zuckerberg, Co-Founder and CEO of the popular social networking site, Facebook, on its cover. Zuckerberg was quoted as saying,

“350 million users is good but it’s just a start.
We’re in our sweet spot now.”

– Zuckerberg is content but far from satisfied.

When we look closely at great business leaders, entrepreneurs, salespeople, athletes and great employees, you will find people who are “content but not satisfied.” Notwithstanding their success, the truly great continue to work hard with an even sharper focus on getting better and better. These remarkable people are excited about the opportunities that await them in times of great change and uncertainty. They are content and peaceful amidst the chaos of a fast-paced world because they are guided solely by their dream to become just a little bit better each and every day.

Until next time, make it count.

Richard Robbins