There’s plenty of talk these days about burnout and finding peace and being happy with what you have. I get it. After all, if you can’t enjoy what you’ve got, what’s the point? But I’ve also seen contentment used as an excuse for complacency:
Giving the same message the same way until it becomes a reflex and not a gift.
But I’m “content” with the way I delivered it. It’s worked fine in the past.
Refusing to listen to feedback or suggestions because “I’ve been doing this since before any of them were even out of high school!”
But I’m “content” with exactly how I am and how I do things, and I don’t need to do anything different.
Stagnant production, time in the office feels boring, client interactions are adequate but not stellar.
But I’m “content” with where the business is right now.
When you’ve got gifts, when you’ve got insight, when you’ve got resources, that also means you’ve got a responsibility to steward those things well.
Let’s run the previous statements through what a true contentment filter would look like:
Giving the same message the same way until it becomes a reflex and not a gift.
I’m content with the effort and reception this message has had in the past and I’m excited to see how I can make it a little better for the next audience.
Refusing to listen to feedback or suggestions because “I’ve been doing this since before any of them were even out of high school!”
I’m content with the accomplishments and the way I’ve done things up to this point and I’m open to hearing the ideas and innovations of a new generation.
Stagnant production, time in the office feels boring, client interactions are adequate but not stellar.
I’m content and grateful for what I’ve been able to grow in business and I want to continue to offer excellence and growth in the days to come.
Different, right?
Contentment Grows; Complacency Slows
Here’s how contentment and complacency sound in our lives in the areas of…
1. GROWTH AND MOTIVATION.
Contentment says, “I’m happy with my work/family life/relationship and I look for ways to improve and contribute.”
Complacency says, “I’ve accomplished plenty, and I don’t need to try harder anymore. That’s someone else’s problem if they don’t like it.”
2. RESPONSES TO CHALLENGES.
Contentment says, “Sometimes the work is hard, sometimes it requires me to push myself, but I love what I do and I’m happy to be doing it.”
Complacency, “I’m good enough. I don’t need to change anything to keep up with the times or learn any new skill. I’ve earned my spot and shouldn’t have to do anything more.”
3. EFFORT AND AWARENESS.
Contentment says, “While I am proud of the person I am and the things I have done, I look for further insights into what motivates me, what emotions I carry, how I respond to various situations. I’m dedicated to personal growth and insight.”
Complacency says, “At my age, I am who I am. Take me or leave me. I’m not for everybody and I’m not going to change anything about myself. And I think a lot of that self-awareness stuff is silly anyway.”
4. EMOTIONAL LIFE.
Contentment says, “The more content I am, the more peace I have, the more I want to contribute, and the more grateful I am. Contentment is a conduit for growth.”
Complacency says, “Sure, I’m bored. And restless sometimes. A little frustrated and irritated on the daily. But who isn’t?”
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Be honest: Between contentment and complacency, which kind of responses did you find you’re using most these days?
In a nutshell, true contentment leads to further growth and vitality in life. Complacency makes you stagnate and prone to excuse away your lack of growth. I like the way Scott Miker explains it:
“Contentment goes hand in hand with gratitude. Being appreciative of the things in your life, you see everything as a miracle. The complacent individual doesn’t see anything as a miracle and takes everything for granted.”
You may have some areas of contentment in your life, and I certainly hope that you
do. But there is likely some complacency hitching a ride under that contentment moniker, and the signs are there if you know how to read them.
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