Why Should We Accept How Things Are?
Complacent — showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements from the Latin word complacent- ‘pleasing’, from the verb complacere.
"It is what it is," people constantly say. Accept how things are and move on. But why? Why should I believe that I do not have the ability to change something that affects my life? Yes, I get it. Some things occur naturally, and we have to take it as it is, but if we take everything the world gives us and conform to standard conventions of how things have always been in our lives, what makes us different from each other? If we work the same 9–5 we've worked since 20, pass the same lower-level classes in high school or college, or run the exact same times in a track and field meet and have no desire to improve, what is the point?
The Danger of Complacency
Complacency is a subtle mindset that can slowly creep into our lives without us even realizing it. It’s the voice that whispers “good enough” when we could be striving for excellence. It’s the feeling of contentment that lulls us into a state of inaction, convincing us that the status quo is acceptable or even desirable.
But the truth is that complacency is the enemy of growth, progress, and fulfillment. When we become complacent, we stop challenging ourselves, we stop pushing boundaries, and we stop reaching to grow to our full potential. We settle for mediocrity, and in doing so, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to truly thrive.
The Allure of Achievement
Let us zoom out for a second; what if you were a Nobel prize-winning, internationally recognized researcher, billionaire, or CEO, and all those boisterous words the top 10% have on their LinkedIn bios? Would you be satisfied, or better still, should you be? On the surface level, yes, you should be satisfied, right?
Well, maybe not! Maybe there’s a new research project you’re itching to try, but it could taint your record, and so you bask in the glory of your past victories for the rest of your life. Similarly, at that desk job, or in that lower level class, say you’re making six figures or top of the class, is that enough for you? What about trying to climb the executive ladder, challenging yourself mentally with that higher-paying job or that harder class?
The allure of achievement is powerful, and it’s what drives us to strive for more constantly. Even when we’ve reached the pinnacle of success in our chosen field, there’s always another mountain to climb, another challenge to conquer. Complacency would have us rest on our laurels, but true fulfillment comes from continuously pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones.
Breaking Free from Complacency
Overcoming complacency is not easy, as it often requires us to confront our fears, doubts, and deeply ingrained habits. But the rewards of breaking free from this insidious mindset are immense. One of the first steps is to cultivate a sense of curiosity and a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones.
This might mean taking on a new challenge at work, learning a new skill, or exploring a new hobby or interest. It’s about embracing discomfort and recognizing that growth often comes from pushing ourselves beyond our perceived limits.
Another crucial aspect is to surround ourselves with people who inspire us and challenge us to be better. Whether it’s a mentor, a supportive friend, or a community of like-minded individuals, having a network of people who encourage us to strive for more can be a powerful antidote to complacency.
The Power of Continuous Improvement
Ultimately, the antidote to complacency is a commitment to continuous improvement. It’s about recognizing that there is always room for growth, always an opportunity to learn, and always a chance to push ourselves further. This continuous improvement mindset doesn’t mean we can never be satisfied or appreciate our achievements. On the contrary, it’s about celebrating our successes while simultaneously recognizing that they are merely stepping stones on a journey of lifelong learning and personal growth.
Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement enables us to open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We become more resilient, more adaptable, and better equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of life. We cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends external markers of success, and we unlock our true potential as human beings.
In the end, the choice is ours: Do we accept the status quo and succumb to the allure of complacency, or do we embrace the challenge of continuous growth and self-improvement? The path may not be easy, but the rewards are immeasurable—a life lived to its fullest potential, a legacy of achievement, and a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from constantly striving to be better.
