Today I have invited you to a gathering. A funeral in a sense. I would like to say farewell to a trait that prevents us from growing as people and depriving many opportunities that may otherwise be within reach.
I am referring to complacency.
Complacency is commonly viewed as a negative behavior. Although it can be “consistency” for some people, it may be a very positive aspect in their life. However, if you are visiting this blog and still reading these posts, you are obviously not interested in being someone who embraces complacency.
The definition of complacency is:
self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.
When we look at complacency as it relates to personal growth and achieving a goal or pursuing a dream, there seems to be no benefit to this behavior. It is essentially a resistance to change. Why do resist change? Most instances it is because of fear.
In order to accomplish a goal or dream there is no room for complacency.
I use to take great pride in mediocrity. I thought consistency was better than failing and less effort needed to strive for better with a chance that I may falter along the way. As I learned more about achieving and succeeding, I realized I couldn’t be more wrong.
Failure is not truly failure if you have learned and grown from the experience. Striving to be better creates an attitude that instills a demand for higher expectations of ourselves which is a crucial ingredient for succeeding and overcoming obstacles in life.
My fear was not change. It was fear of failing. To change my way of thinking was not easy but I decided to make a great effort daily not to fall into this debilitating trap.
I am now conscience to ensure I try and listen and learn something new everyday. I think about my goals and dreams everyday. I think of how I can improve myself to be the person I envision everyday. I try and do “a little extra” everyday to reinforce the habit of being more than mediocre.
Don’t let complacency take control of your life. We are in control of our actions and the ability to work towards the outcome.
Complacency kept me safe and secure. It allowed me to live within my zone of comfort not truly experiencing what ignites my waking hours each day and engulfs my mind with passion for the next.
I look at the various areas in my life where complacency is holding me back from personal growth;
- connecting on a deeper level with family
- putting my needs ahead of others
- consistent daily goal planning and achievement
I am now ready to let go of the weak grasp of complacency that lingers…..
Do you know how it holds you back in your life? What will you do to change that?