The 6th tool - New post

Fighting Complacency:

Much of our lives is spent fighting complacency. No body is immune to complacency. It is something we (mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, athletes, teams, business owners, employees, and Christians) all fight. We all find it hard to keep the fire burning bright, this just gets even harder when we have been handed success. Whether it’s accomplishing daily duties and responsibilities or winning in sports, most everyone gets a “satisfied” feeling when we accomplish a goal or task. Our bodies are physically designed to create a satisfied feeling when we get something we’ve been chasing. This satisfied feeling is not a negative thing, but most people respond to that feeling one or two ways.

Some people hold on to their achievement and live invested in their past achievement for days, months, and even years to come. This person loves their achievement so much, they forget what it took to get it. They forget the hard work, long nights, and constant sacrifice it took to achieve this goal. This person allows complacency to set in. This person’s fire has been put out by success. Success is the curse that we all want. I call success a “curse” because success does not sleep. Success does not stop looking for those who deserve it. It will leave you with a broken heart as soon as you think success is owed to you. I am going refer to a '“Robeism” to validate this idea. “Success only gives you the right to DO MORE.” This is a constant phrase that was used by Coach Tony Robichaux after every win. Success only gives you the right to do more; winning only gives you the right to do it again. Once you succeed, anything less becomes a failure. Once you win a championship, anything less becomes a failure.

Those who have consistent success in life or sports, are able to fight the complacency. How did Jordan win 6 championships? How did Kobe win 5? How did Tom Brady win 7? How does the Golden State Warriors continue to have team success year after year? What is their secret? There are many factors that go into success, but one thing is for sure. They responded different to the that “satisfied feeling”……. almost as if they didn’t get it. Hmmmmm……… why was Kobe back in the gym a day after winning a championship.

The greats that we speak about it is said, he or she “ticked different”. Did Kobe just want another championship that bad that he woke up the next morning and went to the gym? I find this highly unlikely. If it were, Kobe would have still been living under the idea of his achievement, a NBA Champion. Would this have gotten him up the morning after his great achievement? He seemed to be chasing something that was beyond a championship, so what was it? Something motivated Kobe, and it wasn’t just another championship. It was “perfection.” PERFECTION is the only motivator that never sleeps. If success never sleeps, you need a motivator that doesn’t sleep either.

We can apply this to all forms of life: our home, our job, our team, our performance, our marriage, our parenthood, our spiritual life etc. If we wish to continuously get better in life, stay away from complacency, and consistently succeed, we must chase PERFECTION. Perfection will keep us working and keep time and success on our side. God’s Holy Church knows this. Our journey in Virtue of Humility is one of these journeys that reveals the true Power in Perfection. It is true that some people show acts of humility better than others, but humility will leave as soon as you label yourself as a humble person. To truly achieve this virtue, you must not every believe that you have achieved this virtue. Perfection cannot be achieved either, seeking perfection within the virtue of humility puts you on a never ending journey. This was designed that way! Seek perfection and always stay motivated.

Stay hungry my friends, we are not perfect! Have a blessed day!