Are You Content or Complacent?

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” — Heb 12:11

“I am afraid of change.”

The lady at the O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg said as she handed me my passport. I see you work for MTN. She started after inspecting my visa.

“Who will you be meeting? What is your meeting about?” Regular business meetings, I replied.

Will you be discussing the tariffs? The rates are too high; they must bring them down, she continued.

It is good that you are using MTN. I am sure you know we offer the best value for money.

“No, I am using a different provider.”

So, I encouraged her to change over to MTN.

“I don’t have any complaints with my service provider. I am struggling with affordability only.”

That is an excellent reason to try us.

“No, man. I have been using this line since I was in school. “I am struggling with affordability, but I will not change my service provider.”

“I am scared of change.”

As I walked away, I thought about how sometimes we find ourselves in the same situation — with our careers, businesses, and relationships.

We are unhappy with our current position but are too scared of trying the alternative. What if we fail? What if it does not work out?

We find comfort and complacency in the saying, attributed to an African proverb, “The devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know.”

But is that true?

I believe there is no growth or progress without change.

The beauty of the butterfly comes out of the change of the caterpillar.

Change is painful. Change is uncomfortable. But comfort does not breed success.

Growing a successful career, building a thriving business or cultivating meaningful and lasting relationships requires change.

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” — Angela Davis

Whether you are contemplating changing a service provider or thinking about a major career or business move, consider these five steps to help you find the courage to embrace the change you need to grow.

1. Do not settle for what is not working or where you are. Be content but never complacent.

2. Accept that change is inevitable to progress. Adopt a growth mindset, knowing things can and must change to grow.

3. Be willing to try new things and new ways. Avoid insanity. Look up Einstein’s definition of it.

4. Do not be afraid to fail. Failure is a way of learning how not to do something, so learn from it, but don’t be scared of it.

5. Ask for help. Get advice, counsel or guidance from someone who has done what you want to do.

The above ideas have helped me cope with career, business, and life changes. They can help you too.

As we change into a new month, I hope you will find the courage to embrace the change you need to reach your life goals.

Let us make this week a week of positive changes.