Breaking the Bonds of Complacency

Once the rewards of our efforts roll in, after we’ve celebrated our success and the confidence that comes with it, beyond the validation of our peers for our performance or contribution, we’re confronted with an equally important choice of what to do next. Charge forward into another challenge? Explore a new and interesting arena that’s grabbed our attention? Upgrade our skills or knowledge with more schooling?

Once we succeed at achieving our goal, should we not challenge ourselves with something new to keep our life fresh, and stimulating, and growing? It’s easy to fall into the trap of complacency once we reach our target, almost forgetting that true success lies in forever striving to make improvements and not settling into a comfort zone.

Now, some may ask “What does it matter? I’ve reached my goal. I’ve found success. I have the respect and admiration of my friends and family and peers. I’m going to relax and go on cruise control and live it up basking in the afterglow of success.”

Here is where I caution you. Complacency has the capacity to stagnate our growth, deaden our vision, and stifle our creativity. It can rob us from new opportunities and avoid any risk-taking that could lead us to a major breakthrough.

❝The tragedy of life is often not in our failure, but rather in our complacency; not in our doing too much, but rather in our doing too little; not in our living above our ability, but rather in our living below our capacities.❞
― Benjamin E. Mays

The only way to break free from the bonds of complacency is by being committed to challenging ourselves.

And battling complacency is helpful in all life-areas. Whether we’ve become complacent in a relationship or job, hobby, sports, or community, we need to remind ourselves that we can do better than where we find ourselves today; never allowing our hearts to stop desiring new and fresh, and always surrounding ourselves with people who will inspire us to push the limits. Moving forward with new goals is vital to avoid the pitfalls of complacency.

There is no finish line! Life is one continuous marathon. To stop moving is to miss the scenery that is farther down the road, never to be seen if we quit now. It’s ok to rest when needed, taking the time to refresh and recharge to keep up our stamina for our marathon, but never come to a complete halt and say, “I’m done. I’ve reached my highest peak. I don’t need to see anymore or anything. I don’t need to keep going.”

This kind of thinking is the ruin of living a life of growth and adventure and purpose! Becoming the best version of ourselves is the gift everyone has received but not everyone choses to use. Go be your best!

Keep it Simple,
Just Teri

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