Content with Contentment

In the New Testament, the Greek word for contentment (Autarkeia) means 

"a perfect condition of life."

There was a line in an article that I read that seemed like a contradiction to me.  The line read:

"I'm more concerned with how we achieve (strive for) contentment"

That word Strive:  make great effort to achieve.  Struggle or Fight

To me that is putting contentment as a 'program of works' just like working for material gain.

Paul said, I have LEARNED, whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  Phil. 4:11-13

Paul then goes on to explain that he learned contentment through his experiences.

That word Learn:  gain knowledge by study, experience or being taught

Paul was content to learn contentment.  He did not strive.