What should you do to avoid complacency? After doing my research, I will summarize the findings into this one practical step: Step out of your comfort zone.
What does comfort have to do with complacency? If you missed it in the previous article, Complacency is a state of self-satisfaction. Which also translates to you being in that place where you have become extremely comfortable.
Last year, during my end of year retreat, God put this word in my heart: “step out of your comfort zone”. While I didn’t quite understand the task, I set about to do this.
Here are a few things I’ve found, which will be useful for you:
You need to celebrate the wins and then put them behind: As a human, you want to forever stay at that ecstatic level of success. So much so, that you don’t move to the next point and start over or improve on the skills that got you here.
‘I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. ‘ Philippians 3:12-14 NLT
Learn, unlearn and relearn: Don’t be afraid to ask questions on what you’ve learnt and where you are. Those questions will take you onto the discovery path where you will find what God wants for you.
Maybe you’re thinking, what if the questions I ask will lead me away from God? God is forever merciful, He is there to answer and realign you if need be. Don’t be scared to ask.
Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
Jeremiah 33:3 NLT
Do it afraid: Obviously, the concept of comfort excludes the idea of temporary discomfort. The place that God is calling you to won’t always be what you envisioned. In fact, it will come with its own share of not knowing the outcome but trusting the Sender.
I’ll share the Bible verse God gave me: But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalms 56:3 NLT
Even if you don’t get it on the first try, try again.
Have people that hold you accountable: As much as you want to leave the complacent life, it will benefit you to know that you can’t do it alone. Okay, you have goals, you have a plan on how to accomplish them. Who have you told?
You need people that will point it out if you aren’t doing what you planned. People who aren’t afraid to tell you that you’re slacking or you should take a break. (An article about Accountability)
Since stepping out of my comfort zone, I continue to realize this: The more you step out of your comfort zone, the more you understand the abilities God has given you.
That’s it folks, the one thing you can do to avoid complacency. These are the lessons I’ve learnt and I’m still learning. Any lessons to share from your side?
Read previous article: Complacency: the thief of better and more
