According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, complacency means
. . . a feeling of satisfaction with yourself or with a situation, so that you do not think any change is necessary
There’s nothing wrong with complacency, but is it reality?
Haven’t you heard the saying that the only constant in life is change?
Sure, enjoy the moment. But also recognize things change – isn’t that why we reminisce about the good old days?
With my work, clients tend to be going through a transition in life.
These transitions include graduating from college, getting married, expanding their family with a new baby, divorcing, changing careers, and retiring.
During all these life transitions, their circumstances change, and they change.
If you’ve experienced any of these life transitions, think about the changes you underwent.
So enjoy your current situation. Relish it. But also prepare yourself for upcoming changes in life.
You can prepare for changes in life by learning something new.
When you learn something new, you move out of your comfort zone – which then allows you to become more comfortable with change.
Another benefit of learning something new is improving brain plasticity.
When you learn, complex neural networks that process and store information are created in multiple brain regions.
For that reason, older people are encouraged to improve their cognitive abilities by learning something new.
Here are some ideas of new things you can learn to move outside your comfort zone:
1- Expand your knowledge by returning to school for an advanced degree or certification
2- Take up a new hobby, such as building model airplanes, knitting, gourmet cooking, etc.
3- Learn a new type of dance – classical, tap, ballroom, modern
4- Read a non-fiction book about a topic of interest, such as finance, religion, architecture
5- Learn another language – Spanish, French, German
There are many other things you can do to learn something new. Keep a list of activities that interest you.
After identifying what you’d like to learn, it’s up to you to make the time.
If you have to attend a class or workshop, then it’s easy to stay committed.
But if you’re learning something on your own, dedicate at least 15 minutes daily to stay motivated.
It’s easy to become complacent with life. But it creates challenges when changes happen.
Since change is reality, commit to yourself to step outside your comfort zone.
It’ll help you fight complacency to prepare for reality.
(Update to original post from April 20, 2016)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”