Do you find yourself comfortable? In career? In relationships? In general?
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you’re comfortable, you are in a cancerous place.
Now…for the record, I’m no adrenaline junkie. I don’t seek out crazy situations. You won’t find me in line for a roller coaster or sky diving (though sky diving is somewhere on the bucket list.)
That being said, when I start to feel too comfortable in work, or in life, I know that I’m being complacent.
If you’re an actor, and you want to be successful, you’re always working on your craft. Taking acting lessons. Auditioning for new roles. Practicing monologues that challenge you as an actor.
If you’re a model, you’re consistently having photos taken. You’re trying out new looks, working with new photographers. You’re at the gym, saying no to cheeseburgers at midnight, networking and having yourself seen.
If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re networking, working in improving your business and team, tweaking your business model as the trends change, making sure that you are always learning from those further ahead than you are.
You get what I’m saying, right?
If you find yourself resting on your laurels, just going with the flow, you are in a dangerous place. Those who stay still are behind.
Now…I’m not insinuating that you should work 24/7…never take a vacation or a moment of rest. That will lead you to the ER with physical issues…or to the morgue if you’re not careful.
What I am saying is that it is up to you to challenge yourself. If you are waiting for opportunities to arise but you aren’t putting in the work you’re going to blink your eyes, 10 years will have passed, and you will be wondering why everyone is further ahead than you.
Let’s take this into your personal relationships too. If I’m going to poke the bear, I might as well go all the way.
Don’t be complacent with who is in your circle. Many times people are in your life for a season. And that is okay. I have people in my life from so many different phases in my life…and recently I’ve learned that they’re not all on the ride forever.
Sometimes we need certain people to get us through tough times…but when the seas are smooth they fade away. Sometimes you’re in someone’s life to do that for them.
Sometimes someone is in your life to kick you in the ass, show you who are are…but then you part ways.
The danger is in keeping people in your life because they are habits. Your friend you drink with when you’re in a mood. The friend you complain with because you’re mad at work, your boyfriend, life. Friends who belittle what you’re doing because they don’t want to change.
Surround yourself by people who challenge you. Who support you. Who pick you up when you’re down. Who kick your ass when you need it. Don’t surround yourself by lemmings who are yes men.
If you’re comfortable, wake up and start making some changes. Life is way too short to let it happen to you. What are you going to proactively do to make yourself uncomfortable? Let me know in the comments.
Deneen White 