Complacency is satisfaction with an existing situation. You are so satisfied and comfortable with how things are that you no longer put in the effort to improve. Yes, if you have worked hard to get to where you are, it’s not a crime to sit back and enjoy what you have worked for, but there can be disadvantages. Complacency can also affect our safety, we could be too relaxed and unaware that we no longer look out for potential dangers. We forget that the world is a volatile place, and we throw that little dose of paranoia we all need out the window. This is dangerous. Let’s see the dangers of complacency:
Safety
Complacency can cause or contribute to critical errors which increase the probability of injury, from not having your eyes or mind on the task, walking into the line of fire, or losing your balance, traction or grip. Always examine equipment, procedures and the hazards that may exist. You need to focus physically and mentally on your work, no matter how many times you may have done the same job in the past.
Complacency Hinders Personal Growth
It’s important to note that complacency isn’t always a bad thing. But if it’s keeping you from realizing your dreams and living the life you envision for yourself and those you care about, then it’s definitely something to address. Also, human nature tends to suggest we can relax when we have achieved our goals. Complacency keeps you from being challenged by others. It blinds you from areas of your life that are stagnant. Complacency can take over and ruin our careers, relationships, and even our health. How can you avoid being complacent? Try the following:
Change Routines
Often, complacency comes from being in a routine. While many people may prefer to have a routine so their day is predictable and they can become more skilled in their role, the routine can sometimes make someone so comfortable that they no longer consider the hazards of their work or how their duty is an important part of the business. The routine change can be something smaller, like introducing a new task, or more major, like a temporary schedule change. A break in monotony helps people get a fresh perspective.
Continuously Learn and Adapt
Many successful people and organizations rely on the same methods that brought them to the top to keep them there. This is often the beginning of the complacency cycle. Times change, and business changes right along with it. If you want to be successful as an entrepreneur, you need to be able to adapt. If you can’t, you could be left in the dust. Being complacent will close our eyes to new opportunities. More so, it makes you rigid. While routine is not a bad thing, too strict an adherence to the same old can keep you from growing and hinder your personal and professional development. When you’re able to adapt, you’ll be exposed to more ideas, people and concepts. This will likely make you more well-rounded.
Surround yourself with people who challenge you
People who challenge you are some of the most powerful in your network. You don’t have all of the answers and they’ve got most of the tough questions you didn’t think of. They may annoy you at times but they bring you to a level you might not have attained. If you have people who challenge you, you’ll be on your toes. You won’t relax and accept things as they are. Make sure that these people are challenging you positively. They could be your co-workers or people in the same line of business as you. They could be friends, family, a spouse, or even a competitor.
Step Outside your Comfort Zone
For the majority of our lives, we live inside our comfort zone. It’s human nature to want to feel safe. Inside our own circle of comfort, we feel safe, but unfortunately, we don’t grow. Right outside that circle is where the magic happens. As you step outside your comfort zone, do things that are hard and take courage, you’ll soon notice that the circle of your comfort zone has increased in size.
Never Stop Setting Goals
It is when we have achieved major goals that a lot of us get complacent. We look back at that smaller circle we just came from and see all the progress we’ve made and there’s a danger of feeling like that’s good enough. Instead, return to step one and set a new goal.
If you find yourself struggling or starting to feel complacent, ask yourself, What next? Then create a plan that will move you to the next level. There’s always some small step you can take to get you back on the path toward reaching your goals.
