Why Complacency is Bad and What to Change Now

Complacency is one of the most sinister of all human weaknesses. It undermines productivity and prevents us from achieving important goals.

Complacency begins in that moment after a triumph when we want to savor our victory. Initially, we just need a little time to rest and recover from our efforts. Before long, satisfaction with our success turns into self-satisfaction. After that, it becomes harder and harder to do the things that originally helped us succeed.

While growing up, my wife Judy’s grandparents taught her a card game called “dummy rummy.” In this game, the person who discards all their cards first wins the hand, and the player with the fewest points at the end of the game is declared the overall winner. Each hand involves a combination of matching cards and sequences, and as the game progresses, the combinations become more complex and challenging. Judy’s family loved playing this game. It mirrors the challenges we face in life; just when we think we’ve mastered one level, a new, more complex one often presents itself.

I don’t watch cooking shows, but I’ve heard from others that when contestants reach one challenge, the judges introduce even more difficult tasks. This pattern continues until the end of the program.

I have never watched reality shows like The Great Race or Survivor, but I know many who do. One reason viewers remain engaged is that contestants are continually pushed to face increasingly difficult challenges after overcoming previous ones.

Games and TV shows like these are popular because they resonate with us on some level, even if that connection is subliminal. Life is a series of challenges—after meeting one, another inevitably follows. We must experience these trials to remain productive; otherwise, we risk growing complacent.

There is nothing inherently wrong with playing card games and seeking entertainment through these means. In fact, I suggest we harness this reality to help toughen our expectations. We shouldn’t become calloused, but we can recognize that life is relentless—and that’s okay. Challenges should be seen not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to personal growth. Otherwise, we may become complacent and unproductive.

We are people; we need to be productive. Productivity is not just a goal, but a way of life. It keeps us focused, driven, and constantly striving for more.

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