According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, complacency means
a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better
There’s nothing wrong with complacency but is it reality? Haven’t you heard the only constant in life is change? Enjoy the moment. But also recognize things change – isn’t that why we reminisce about the good old days?
Through my work, my 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 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.
Some people believe learning something new will allow you to use more than 10% of your brain. It’s a myth we use only 10% of our brain. You use almost every part of your brain. It depends on the activity you are doing. Click here to read more about debunking that myth. Learning something new will not necessarily increase your brain power – you may use an area you normally don’t use – but more importantly, it’ll allow you to step outside of your comfort zone — allowing you to be better prepared for changes in life.
[styled_box title=”Here are some ideas of new things you can learn to stretch yourself:” color=”gray”]1- Expand your knowledge for your career with an advanced degree or certification
2- Take up a new hobby – building model airplanes, knitting, gourmet cooking, …
3- Learn a new type of dance – classical, tap, ballroom …
4- Read a non fiction book about a new topic you’re interested in exploring – finances, religion, architecture …
5- Learn another language – Spanish, French, German …[/styled_box]
There are many other things you can do to learn something new. It’s up to you to make the time – even if it’s only 15 minutes every day. Commit to yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Fight complacency in order to prepare for reality. Click here to sign-up for our monthly email filled with tips for your money + life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of 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 as a financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy and professional progression. 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’.”