Contentment versus Complacency

Complacency: self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of dangers or deficiencies

The feeling of contentment is a beautiful one. If I could describe contentment as a physical experience I would say it's like feeling the warmth of sunshine on your face while a gentle breeze simultaneously dances along your cheeks. To be content means to be satisfied while you work toward a goal. In other words, while you work toward the "thing" you are working toward, you are in a place of peace. Since peace brings mental clarity and focus, being in a state of contentment helps you work toward your goals.

Conversely, complacency is like a wolf disguised as contentment. In complacency one might feel like there is peace, but in reality, there is danger lurking beneath the surface. Complacency can feel comfortable, but the comfort comes at the cost of you not actually taking steps toward your goals. When you are complacent you are not where you should be on your life journey. And when your feelings are truly excavated, you will realize that the sense of peace you experience is a false one. When you stay in a place you're not meant to be, you will slowly lose yourself as you slip further from your purpose.

Let me give you an example.

In your current position at work you may make decent money, like your co-workers, have good hours and benefits, etc. There is a lot that you are grateful for and you appreciate having your job, but you know that your purpose includes more. You may feel peace in your position because of all the positive aspects, but you are simultaneously gaining additional skills so that you can move into a new position that is better suited for you. That is contentment. Alternatively, in your current position at work you may make decent money, like your co-workers, have good hours and benefits, etc. There is a lot that you are grateful for and you appreciate having your job, but you know that your purpose includes more. Instead of working to gain the necessary skills to move into a career that better aligns with your purpose you stay where you are. Over time, staying in a stepping stone position long-term leads you to resentment, missed opportunities, and unhappiness. That's complacency.

There is action in contentment and inaction in complacency.

With Gratitude,