Can you tell if you’re content or complacent?

The balance between being content and complacent is one of the most important attitude situations and problems people face. It has evolved into the proverb “be content but never complacent.” It’s a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, you should be pleased with what you have accomplished.

On the other side, you should put your skills to work and generate more. The notion is that you require more and will continue to require more.

You recognize what you have and are grateful for it, but you desire to grow and expand. We should all be grateful for what we have, but if we spend too much time applauding ourselves, we miss out on opportunities to grow and use our talents to further our mission.

When is enough? is a frequently asked question. When are you going to be able to stop?

If you’ve been waiting for someone to tell you that it’ll never be enough and that you can go on forever, I’ll tell you that now.

Understand how you arrived where you are and be grateful to those who assisted you, including yourself. Understand, however, that even if your path is fulfilling your purpose, it should never and can never be enough.

Making the decision that things are good enough and that you can put your life on hold will never bring you where you need or want to go. The decision to be done, to stop evolving, and to stop trying to accomplish your purpose will always cause psychological conflict.

One of my favorites, the Parable of the Talents, isn’t a one-time occurrence. It wasn’t what a person did with the gifts they were given once. It involves a lifetime of effort. You can waste your talents even if you use them extensively for a short period of time and then quit.

Also, don’t get this mixed up. It’s not about the money. You can satisfy your need for money, but you will never satisfy your need to feed your skills. We often look at someone who is extremely affluent and wonder, “Why doesn’t that person stop when enough is enough?” It’s not about money. It is all about the goal.

Continue to strive for growth, to go forward in your purpose, to reject the temptation to be lazy or to stop, and avoid becoming complacent.

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Dr. Matt Chalmers

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Before taking any action based on this information you should first consult with your physician or health care provider. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions regarding a medical condition, your health, or wellness.