In this videoconference talk from 17 Sep, 2021, Ajahn Anan talks about how contentment does not mean we don't be diligent or put forth effort, whether in our work, studies or Dhamma practice. It is taṇhā, desire, that is the cause of suffering.

"Is this called taṇhā, desire? We have to understand that taṇhā is the cause for suffering to arise. So if we don't do anything and we have only desire, we have no effort and application, then suffering keeps coming up. But when we have effort, application and are determined, then this lies within sila-dhamma, morality and goodness. It is not that we just say that everything is desire, and whatever we do is all desire, so then we don't need to do anything at all. Then we just stay someone who is poor and underprivileged as always. We have no expertise, we have no knowledge. We don’t have a good reputation in society, not being someone who is recognized. So it is not like this. We put in effort and perseverance, and this is correct in terms of sila-dhamma."