Why you shouldn't get TOO comfortable

I currently work as a copywriter in the travel industry. While I have a stable job in a stable company that has been around since the 70s, I've realized that, after several years in the same position, I have hit something of a wall.

I no longer feel challenged in this role; my creativity is being stifled and my skills have flatlined.

It'd be easy for me to rest on my laurels and continue showing up merely for a paycheck. But I know I can do better. I'm too young to get complacent.

That's why I've begun looking within my company -- and outside of it -- for other opportunities. My ultimate goal is to find a position that's more writing-intensive than the one I'm in now.

I've also refused to let a sense of complacency seep into my marriage. Traveling to a new destination once a year has helped keep it fresh and exciting. I also do my best to take my wife to different restaurants, parks, and other venues every once in a while.

If I ever feel as though things are stagnant, I write down a list of goals for the coming months, six months, or year.

Having something to shoot for -- whether it's losing weight, getting a new job, reading a couple of books, researching my options for a master's degree, or doing something new to the condo -- keeps me on my toes and prevents me from getting too comfortable with the status quo.

I think we can all do things in our lives -- both professional and personal -- to give them a boost every once in a while. Having goals helps facilitate this.

Indeed, getting too complacent prevents us from growing as individuals. While change is scary for everyone, you don't want to wake up one day feeling a deep sense of regret over not having done more to enrich your life.

If we don't venture outside our comfort zone every so often -- and that often involves taking risks -- we risk missing out on things and experiences that may bring us great fulfillment.

Do you ever get too comfortable? What do you do to snap out of it (if anything)?

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