BETWEEN COMPLACENCY AND CONTENTMENT

In recent times, I found myself being so content I began to wonder if perhaps what I thought was contentment, was indeed complacency. Ever wondered about that yourself?

When you get to that place in life where you're no longer trying to impress anyone and you're no longer in competition with anyone (you chose not to be).

So, you craft your own goals based on your truest pursuits and values, and begin that race against your own self rather than racing against another person whose circumstances aren't the same as yours.

Also, realizing that contrary to what seems to have been your prior beliefs, that life isn't a sprint but a marathon. "Easy does it".

So, you get into the process and keep at it, ticking off one major to-do item per day ( or two), towards your stated goals. You work SMART ensuring to alot time to the completion of each task. Knowing as they say, 'if you don't put a time frame to it, you're not likely to actually do it". Same with when people give you their word that they'll do a certain thing. You'd better get them to attach a time frame to it or that thing will most likely, not get done.

But you've got all that in place and you're taking it one day at a time; crushing goals alright, one at a time. And smiling to yourself.

You've learned to consistently put in the work, and to smell the roses too; not one without the other.

Also been able to craft a work-life balance for yourself, that suits you and all that you hold dear.

Remembering that the Bible says to "work while there's daytime because night cometh when no man shall work". Surely, you don't have all the time in the world to do the things you need to do.

So you're at it, doing ok, nodding to yourself....

Then comes a rude interrupting thought, " surely there must be something wrong wth this level of contentment?"

Why should you be this content when your bank balance isn't exactly overflowing with hard currency?

Surely you should push yourself harder? Want much more (covet if you like), pressure yourself to the point of clinical anxiety if you will; whatever, but surely you can't be content?

Or can you?

Just to be sure you're content and not complacent, you pick out your resources, and begin to search out the difference.

I find that indeed it's a thin line between the two. While complacency can be said to be a state of self-satisfaction accompanied by a lack of motivation or willingness to strive for improvement, that arises possibly from a sense of entitlement or belief that one has already achieved enough,

Contentment, on the other hand, is a state of satisfaction and peace of mind derived from acceptance and gratitude for one's current circumstances. Unlike complacency, contentment does not entail a lack of ambition or effort. Instead, content individuals appreciate what they have while remaining open to new experiences and possibilities.

Contentment is rooted in a deep sense of self-awareness and gratitude, allowing individuals to find joy and fulfillment in the present moment without becoming stagnant.

Mind you, a complacent person may become stagnant in his/her personal or professional life, unwilling to challenge themselves or pursue new opportunities. They may settle for mediocrity, neglecting their potential for growth and development.

Complacency can lead to a sense of stagnation, regret, or unfulfilled potential over time.

One key distinction between complacency and contentment lies in their attitudes towards change and growth. Complacency resists change and may even fear it, viewing it as a threat to one's comfort or status quo.

Contentment, however, embraces change as a natural part of life's evolution, recognizing it as an opportunity for learning, growth, and self-improvement. Content individuals may actively seek out new challenges and experiences, viewing them as enriching rather than intimidating.

Furthermore, the consequences of complacency and contentment differ significantly in the long term. While complacency may provide temporary comfort or security, it can ultimately lead to missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, and a sense of stagnation.

In contrast, contentment fosters resilience, adaptability, and a deeper sense of well-being. Content individuals are better equipped to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and perspective, maintaining their sense of inner peace and fulfillment regardless of external circumstances.

In summary, while complacency and contentment may share some similarities, they represent fundamentally different attitudes towards life and its challenges. Complacency is characterized by stagnation, resistance to change, and a lack of motivation, while contentment embodies acceptance, gratitude, and a willingness to grow. By understanding the distinction between these two states of being, individuals can cultivate a mindset of contentment that fosters personal growth, fulfillment, and resilience in the face of life's uncertainties.

So, back to me now, "am I plain content, or am I dangerously complacent?"

And this is how it dawns on me that it seems I have me a super power called 'contentment', gifted to me by my Faith.

For which I'm deeply grateful. Marching on with it all......