We often see success as a destination. It's not because destinations suggest we can stop when we get there.
True success isn't a destination, it's a journey - and that means addressing complacency, as I discuss in today's episode.
All tagged avoiding complacency
Comfort Is The Enemy of Growth
Is comfort the enemy of innovation and growth?
It’s a constant pursuit, this pursuit of comfort, at so many levels. We long to be free of our problems and our issues, to achieve some sense of calmness in our lives.
“Success Is Dangerous"
“Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others.” Pablo Picasso
When we hit upon a winning formula, it’s tempting to think we’ve got it all figured out. Because we actually do. We’ve understood what the market wants, what customers are seeking, at least at that specific point in time.
The Curse of Complacency
Attaining leadership - in a business, in an organization, in any sphere of life - is a difficult task. It demands a lot of us and absorbs us as we pursue the path. At times, the task feels beyond us, and yet we persevere and work towards our ambitions. So when we get there, it feels like an achievement. Because, of course, it is.
The thing we forget, though, is that we haven’t actually reached the end of the path.
The Things We Say
This is going to come out wrong but sometimes I feel the worst thing you can do is tell someone that they’re doing amazingly well.
Now, before you react, let me explain. I’m not suggesting it’s a bad thing to recognize great performance by someone you work with - I think that’s absolutely essential. I’m also not suggesting that we shouldn’t be positive or motivational with family, friends and colleagues - it’s important that we help each other along positive intent and actions.
Stasis Is Not A Strategy
We tend to think of the middle ground as a safe space to be in. You’re not out on a limb at the bleeding edge, but you’re also not trailing the pack. There’s no bloodthirsty Coke versus Pepsi battle at play, but you’re also not spending your days fighting for survival.
It’s tempting to get comfortable there. You simply play your position, fight with other ‘middle of the road’ brands and focus on the ‘middle of the road’ customers
So You 'Made' It. Is That It?
We put a lot of work into achieving our goals and getting ourselves to where we want to be, whether in our relationships, our ventures or our careers.