Gratitude Vs. Entitlement

How entitled Are You? What problems or challenges are presently in your life?

I am not much of a gambling man, but I will make you this wager. If I asked this question to 100 people I know, at least 99 people would be able to think of one or more minuscule problems that occupy their mind.

I will make you another bet. Of those 99 people, I would say that only 20 have problems, challenges, or issues that are legitimate hurdles.

Let’s put things into perspective.

I am lucky that my life choices go past simply trying to survive.

I am blessed with the opportunity to choose my daily actions.

I have the chance to explore opportunities and decide what I want from life. Many people don’t have the chance to make life choices – they are just trying to stay alive.

Opportunity is priceless and therefore having a chance is a gift – not an entitlement.

And this is where we uncover the problem: We take for granted the opportunities we have, and then dwell and obsess on trivial matters.

I keep a daily gratitude journal and spend time every day thinking about what I am grateful for. Full transparency, I have been doing it wrong. I have been expressing gratitude for what I have, instead of showing gratitude for my opportunities and blessings.

I have access to education, medical care, clean water, electricity, safe housing, well-paid jobs, and as much food as I please. I can follow my passions such as wrestling, learning guitar, reading, writing, and attending live events. I have the opportunity to influence my future in the way I choose.

I am privileged not just for what I have, but for the opportunities I have.

By forgetting I have these and dwelling on what I either have acquired or am missing, I am behaving with a sense of entitlement that does nothing except postpone my growth as a father and a man.

Entitlement is the opposite of gratitude. Practicing gratitude is more than focusing on what you have. It is about being conscious of the opportunities that are available to you and the blessings you take for granted.

Now is the time to stop acting entitled and take stock of everything in your life you have to be grateful for.

So how about that problem of yours. How important is it really?