Ignore the Unwanted Thought

As time passes, I am starting to think it is time to slow down. After all, I’ve been in a professional employment position since 1990.

Let’s do the math … that’s a big 36 years! It’s also a different century!

I started my career with Shell Oil Company, followed by managing a medical clinic, then moved to Prudential, and later held a role at USAA. Along the way, I have also served as a professor.

Oh … I also officiated Div. I men’s basketball for 25 years.

It made me tired just to write this!

In the past year, I have purposely scaled back some of my work. From a business perspective, I’m not overly focused on seeking new clients.

I seem happy with what I have, even if there is some level of customer attrition.

What’s the big deal, right?

The Mindset Matters

Since taking the “slow-down” mindset, I’ve noticed it creates a domino effect.

You see … my brain has started to interpret “no new clients” as meaning I need to cut back in all areas of employee development, such as seeking certifications, training, and so on.

This is definitely not what I want!

This mediocrity realization came to me one early Saturday morning when watching a YouTube show pertaining to entrepreneurial success, and I realized I still have the passion to do more.

The Comfort Zone

For many years, I have shared with others the dangers of getting into a comfort zone. Before long, the person is no longer tackling challenging work and becomes satisfied with the status quo.

Let’s take this example … A friend recently shared the following with me …

“You know, Jimmie, Beth and I have been married for 19 years, and I no longer need to impress her. I’ve put on an extra 25 pounds, and some of my clothes are as old as dirt, but she loves me for who I am. My appearance matters very little to her and to me!”

Given we are long-time friends, I responded …

“Sam, I think you are creating a false reality in your mind. I’m pretty sure Beth loves you, but I hardly agree with you that she does not care about how you look. Let’s take out the potential health issues based on the extra weight you are carrying … I’m sure she wants her husband to look as good as possible. So … time to get off your butt and get to the gym!”

We both had a good laugh, but we know our wives care about how well we take care of ourselves, and yet it’s so convenient to dismiss it.

Correction Needed

I share this story with you because I’m talking to myself.

While it’s okay to slow down and take on a manageable workload, it’s unacceptable for me to become complacent.

Yes … I still want to impress my wife with how I look.

Just as much, though, I want to have the passion and desire for the work I do.

The Lord has blessed me with certain skills and talents, and it’s far too early for me to ignore them.

See you next week, my friends!

Closing Quotes

“Complacency is the enemy of progress.” – Dave Stutman

“Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort.” – Peter McWilliams

Homework Inquiry

During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: How will you avoid the comfort zone trap?

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I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.