Beware the danger of complacency

The other day I found myself talking with a neighbor new to my building. As is usual, the topic of our careers came up.
 
“And what do you do?” I asked, after he asked me about my work.
 
“Oh, I work in accounting at so-and-so company,” he replied in a very lackluster fashion.
 
“Do you not enjoy it?” I questioned, after noting his not so enthusiastic response.
 
“It’s okay, I guess. But it pays the bills,” he shrugged and laugh half-heartedly.
 
There it was. I recognized the look. I felt the energy.
 
Complacency.
 
I know what it looks like because I’ve experienced it myself in the past, and I’ve worked with many clients on this same issue.
 
In your career, complacency becomes evident when you look at what you’re doing, you feel some boredom, maybe even dread, and you wonder how you ended up there.
 
In relationships, complacency can show up when you glance at your partner and sigh, pondering when the magic and spark went away.
 
When it comes to your health, complacency gives you a scenario where you might have once gone to the gym three times a week, but now it’s been a while since you’ve gone, and you debate whether you should be paying that monthly gym membership.
 
Complacency happens to the best of us, and it’s insidious because it some how creeps in when we weren’t looking.
 
You might think to yourself, “Oh I’m too tired to go to the gym tonight. I’ll just stay home and rest on the couch.”
 
After two or three nights of skipping the gym, you might reason that work has been so busy that rest is more important than anything.
 
Pretty soon, a week has gone by and now you’ve found a favorite new show to watch on television.
 
Complacency is dangerous because it steers you away from your goals and from the fullness of life you might have imagined yourself living.
 
Complacency provides what seem like very valid excuses and gives you reprieve from having to show up in life.
 
Eventually, complacency brings an energy of heaviness that slows you down, as if you’re trudging deep through mud. Left unchecked, it can leave you feeling stuck and immobile.
 
How do you make sure that you don’t fall into the trap of complacency?
 
One, do a self-assessment to look at different areas of your life to see if you feel out of alignment with your life goals.
 
My blog post on looking at what’s nourishing and what’s not nourishing in your life is a helpful tool to get you started.
 
Two, engage in activities that get you out of your comfort zone. Go to a music concert, attend a lecture, or eat at a new restaurant.
 
When you do things that you usually don’t do, you shake up your life energy. Complacency doesn’t get a chance to settle in.
 
Three, if you find that you are complacent and you feel stuck, seek some support from others who can help you get unstuck.
 
You can talk with a coach (I offer complimentary consultations) or counselor, or you can find a group or class to help out. Remember, you’re not alone and there are others in the world who can support you.
 
Lastly, meditation and mindfulness practices are a great counterweight to complacency.
 
When you bring a present-minded awareness to life, you break the hold of living your life on autopilot.
 
The spiritual truth in today’s lesson is this: 

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Complacency has a hard time setting in when you open to the newness of each moment.

Are you willing to release complacency, and embrace the aliveness that wants to express as you in this moment?
 
Abundant Blessings and Namaste.
 
I'd love to hear your thoughts about today’s post, and hear your thoughts about ways you tackle complacency in your life. Please leave a comment below.

Also, if you’re feeling the need for guidance or support, I offer a complimentary life coaching consultation where we can chat. You can learn more about these life coaching consultations by clicking here.

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