Complacency - adjective - used here in a politically correct format. Because it’s synonym is Laziness. I hear you grumbling now.
Complacency can come in many forms and apply to almost any situation on the face of the planet. The main cause of complacency from what I have personally seen and experienced, comes from getting good at what you do and forgetting to, ignoring or neglecting to become better….BAM! you’re in the comfort zone.
I’m fairly certain that everyone has heard some of these sayings “ No pain No gain,” “ No guts no glory.” “No risk no reward.” and if you haven’t heard them before my friends, you’re hearing them here today.
Ask yourself what in your life has earned itself a complacent spot, perhaps something that is easy for all of us to take for granted - our health, our retirement account, our a job. Let’s have a look at those few things for now.
Health -
How often do you pack your own lunch, swap a burger for a salad, drink water instead of soda? We know the statistics. We understand that the average women’s dress size has gone from a 12 to a 14 in just a few short years. We see the frustrating results of obesity, even wish we knew where we were spending all that darn money. And yet we continue to do the same thing’s over and over expecting different results or at least telling ourselves that we will eventually get a round to changing some of these habits…
Many of us sit in front of a computer all or part of the day. Let’s face it, we are in the information age and business is now literally done at the speed of thought.
How often do you get out and exercise, go workout at the gym, use that treadmill that has become your second closet (not pointing fingers but you know you hang clothes on it and you know who you are).
Some of us do get out and walk, some of us do go to the gym and some of us really do use the treadmill for it’s intended purpose; however, some of us say we’re going to do any and all of those things and they never seem to happen. We make excuses about not having enough time, not having the extra money to join a gym and many others…..you have invited it in….Complacency has entered your life.
Retirement -
Everyone from all walks of life that I have personally spoken to on this subject in the past thirty six months agree that there will be a very likely chance of the Social Security Administration being bankrupt over the next few years.
We talk, laugh and joke about “What Social Security?” or give it silly nick names like “ Social Insecurity.” We all have an awareness on some level of consciousness that what we have come to know in our lifetimes as social security, may not be available in next few years to supplement your retirement incomes and those of us that will receive it, can’t afford to take the pay cut. So, we scramble to the bank to talk to the banker about IRAs or ask the boss for the 401K program information, right? Hmm maybe, maybe not.
If you know that something’s not going to be there, isn’t it your responsibility of making sure you have what you’ll need when you need it?….Sure you know it and you will eventually do something about it too, but not today……one thing leads to another and….Complacency rents a room.
The Job -
The Job -
I’ll give this one a little bit of room because of the state of the economy. Although I do have to preface that by saying that I have been watching this begin to unfold for at least a decade. I’ll address the transition I’m referring to at a later date.
The job that you’ve been going to every single day for the past twenty, ten, five or even one year can end at any given moment if it is losing momentum in the market place, you’ve made it through the first and second round of layoffs and you’re praying that there won’t be a third or if there is a third, you’re hoping that your name isn’t on the list.
Complacency in this situation is generally caused by fear of loss. i.e. “If I do nothing. Nothing will happen to me.” And you don’t know how right you are.
Jobs can be tricky, but the bottom line is that, you’re future is in, you hope, the capable hands of the person that you are working for; trust and faith have got be your theme song.
Now let’s talk about kicking complacency to the curb. As we’ve already assessed the only thing in your comfort zone is comfort - the only obstacle in your way is YOU.
People always say take ACTION - Action overcomes fear and while this is completely true, I have to say first let’s get aware - awareness of and an honest assessment of your situation will lead you to make a plan of ACTION.
Be Committed to taking Action on a consistent basis whether that means daily, weekly or monthly - change your situation, by getting out of your comfort zone and your own way.
Be persistent - 80% of winning at anything is just showing up. Show up; be persistent.
Be persistent - 80% of winning at anything is just showing up. Show up; be persistent.
My favorite line from a Disney movie called The Incredibles is “Luck Favors the Prepared”
Make it Happen!!
I wrote this piece a few years ago, before I left Arizona. It was a reminder of what I knew myself and anyone else on the planet, could accomplish if we just set our minds to it. Getting out of the comfort zone isn't always easy, but when you do, the feeling of freedom is beyond words. Step out of your comfort zone and experience something new TODAY!!!
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
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