Complacency is like a comfortable old sweater. But does it truly keep us warm?

Yes, perhaps a click-bait lead-in, but I hope to make the analogy worthwhile.

After 35 years in my Industry I’ve given a lot more reflection inwardly of late than outwardly. In doing so I recognize that a fair bit of what I have been telling myself is “quiet confidence’ or “maturity of self” is actually just complacency. 

Now, don’t mistake these for arrogance or ignorance, because I don’t see it that way and here’s why: I am completely comfortable admitting I’m wrong, or partially right, or any combination thereof these days. Feasting on the bounty of striving for an open mind and humility in my demeanor (striving, not always achieving, mind you) and enjoying new perspectives, experiences, views, and insights that I would have either missed entirely or eschewed in my younger days. 

But getting back to the topic at the start, complacency often creeps in unnoticed. 

Over the years we gain satisfaction and comfort in newly achieved levels and knowledge, which can have a stifling effect on further creativity, expansion, and risk taking. In doing so we may “wear-out” our efficacy and value; without ever even recognizing that we have. 

We can see the effects in multiple areas:

• Clinging to vetted and proven paths. Yes the roses may be blooming where we are but the season for them will pass. There are other gardens to tend to, and new things to see, cultivate, and appreciate.
• Settling for “The Now”. Money feeds the stomach and shelters our head- but may not fuel the passion, satisfaction, and growth that are equally essential to happiness.
• When challenged or questioned we may rest on our past accomplishments, or react from resistance to change. This is the unravelling of the thread that can lead to our loss of self-value and confidence. Holes appear, stains remain, and we are no longer comfortable in our old self.
• And perhaps the greatest driver of complacency is the old friend we invite in early and who never seems to leave: Fear. Fear of failure, of embarrassment, and of change. 

I’ve made the realization that in the rapidly shifting World (and Industry) today that complacency is really not at all comfortable to me. Where I used to hunker down and defend my “knowns” I now want to challenge them and enjoy the winds and rain that the Spring growth of new ideas, information, and situations brings to me. 

Here’s the tricky bit: Complacency not only stifles ourselves, but it also limits our performance and creativity in working with and supporting others. Internal, external, and everywhere. 

With all that said I think I can sum myself up in this thought: I never really liked the sweater all that much to begin with. It was scratchy when new, didn’t quite fit, and I have outgrown it over the years. Much too warm for the current climate. It definitely served its purpose, and I would not be who I am (good and bad) had I not worn it, but the time has come to change. 

Something lighter, brighter, and less restrictive sounds much more appropriate. With room to grow into. And more pockets, of course. It's good to grow, even if it's a little bit uncomfortable.