The month of November is all about gratitude – the quality of being thankful and ready to show appreciation. But what happens when you’re suffering from the “grass is greener syndrome?” It’s hard to be thankful for the things you have when you spend your life wishing it was different. Fortunately, there are ways to fight this mentality, become content with your life and improve your mental health in the process.
What is the Grass is Greener Syndrome?
The grass is greener syndrome comes from the phrase, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” It means that you’re not satisfied with your own life and assume there’s something better somewhere else. Rather than experiencing stability, security and life satisfaction, you feel that you’re missing out on something.
The problem with this syndrome is that it’s typically based on fear and fantasy. The fear comes from a number of possibilities, such as being bored with your life, feeling trapped in your career or not having enough money. In terms of fantasy, you end up fantasizing about the things you don’t have but wish you did.
There will be times when we feel envious or jealous, but grass is greener syndrome is more constant. Here are some signs you may be dealing with the syndrome:
- Constantly noticing everything that’s ‘wrong’
- Being critical and complaining often
- Future-focused and not able to enjoy the present
- Using phrases like ‘what if’ and ‘if only’
- Uncomfortable with being bored
- Constantly comparing yourself to others
- Feeling like you’ve made the wrong choices
Ways to Overcome Grass is Greener Syndrome
There are many ways to overcome grass is greener syndrome so that you can lead a happier life that aligns with your goals. One of the best ways is to practice gratitude. Gratitude can help you appreciate what you have instead of seeking out what you don’t. Make sure that you’re actively thinking about the things you’re thankful for. You can write them down in a journal, type them online or say them aloud.
Additional ways to overcome the grass is greener mentality are by:
- Identifying where this thinking started
- Practicing mindfulness
- Learning balanced thinking
- Avoiding comparisons
- Embracing imperfections
- Facing your insecurities
Book a Life Coaching Session in Los Angeles
When working to overcome grass is greener mentality, it often helps to work with a life coach. Life coaches in Los Angeles can help by providing supportive dialogue and coaching exercises. They can also help identify where this way of thinking came from, such as childhood trauma or emotional abuse.
Furthermore, a life coach can help you better prioritize your tasks and manage your time so that you can fulfill your goals. Keep in mind that the grass is greener syndrome is fueled by a lack of self-worth, not goal setting. To book a life coaching session with Jack Rourke, contact us today. Together, we can work toward creating internal stability by watering your own grass!
