Whether you’re flying a million-dollar jet, providing medical care, or running a business, getting too comfortable and letting your guard down can lead to devastating consequences. Throughout my years as a military pilot and subsequent career as a speaker and consultant, I’ve learned a truth that’s vital to success: COMPLACENCY KILLS EXCELLENCE.
People often become complacent when they experience consistent success. It’s a natural human tendency to relax when things are going well. Sometimes taking a break is well-deserved–and often required–but it can become a trap. It can cause you to settle into a comfort zone and lead to a decline in your performance.
The Dangers of Complacency
In the jet, complacency could mean the difference between life and death. In business, it can result in missed opportunities, team stagnation, and erosion of trust within your organization. You could miss out on game-changing trends, untried strategies, and innovative solutions that might be just what you need to push your team to greater heights. You could lose your passion and drive. You could start just going through the motions.
Thankfully, you can overcome complacency. The first thing you need to do is learn to recognize the signs. Have you sensed a lack of enthusiasm about your work? Have you noticed decreased attention to detail? Has your team seemed resistant to learning and change? If so, it’s time to consider that you or your team has become complacent, and it’s time to take action.
Conquering Complacency
Overcoming complacency is crucial for doing any job well. You can conquer complacency by embracing continuous learning, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone towards ambitious goals, and mixing up your routine by integrating diverse perspectives to keep everyone on their toes. Fostering a culture of accountability, practicing mindfulness and self-reflection, and celebrating wins (no matter how small) can also help you overcome complacency.
To subdue complacency, we must consistently perform at our best to demonstrate a commitment to growth and to striving for success. Overcoming complacency builds trust and inspires confidence in you as a leader because teams recognize your genuine effort, eagerness, and enthusiasm. What’s more, clients and customers recognize it, too; it shows them that you are dedicated to high standards that support their best interests.
Though people are naturally inclined toward complacency, you can’t settle for “good enough” if you want to enjoy success. Ask yourself every day: “Am I pushing the envelope or settling into my comfort zone?” The answer will help you to keep moving forward to achieve your mission.
