I have been on stages in stadiums with thousands of people. I’ve gone viral on social media. And through it all, I have never been more convinced of the truth that happiness, joy, and contentment are not generated by achievement.

But I had to learn this conviction over time.

When I was in eighth-grade, I tried out for the lead part in my middle school play. It was so easy for me to envision myself in the role that I assumed I’d get it.

I was wrong. Another girl beat me out.

My failure to secure the part I craved, and the spotlight that went with it, only fueled what would become a decades-long pursuit of significance.

And guess what? I was successful at it. I was ambitious, goal-oriented, and confident—qualities that naturally drew admiration and reinforced a “performance cycle” that became second nature to me.

But all of this success had a dark side. No matter what I achieved or how fast I achieved it, even my biggest accomplishments didn’t feel like enough. Deep down, my greatest fear was that my life couldn’t count. Striving for significance was my way to find validation, until eventually the applause of others became my source of worth.

Paul’s words convey a powerful message about contentment that resonates with many of us. He speaks of a sense of not needing anything personally and learning to be content in any situation. This contentment isn’t dependent on external circumstances. 

This verse reminds us of the universal human experience of seeking contentment and happiness. We often believe that achieving certain goals, obtaining specific possessions, or receiving recognition from others will bring us contentment. However, Paul’s perspective challenges this conventional wisdom.