I’m a type 3 Enneagram.
(Uh oh, he’s one of those achiever types)

I like to get things done. To make things happen. To set my sights on something and–you guessed it–achieve it.

Always trying to outdo what I did yesterday. 

We discussed the season of foundations last time and it reminded me of a conversation with a friend at work (who also happens to be an achiever).

As part of the regular team meetings at our company, we share personal goals that we’d like to accomplish in the next 100 days. These usually end up being about health, home improvement, fun activities, or new habits we hope to form (or kick). 

Each week we check in on progress to keep each other accountable for our goals.

My friend had just come back from spending maternity leave with her new baby and we were somewhere in the middle of one of these 100 day cycles, so we asked her what goal she wanted to set for the remaining days.  

“I’m not really sure what I’m hoping to do. I spend all the time I can holding my baby girl. I’ll have to think about my goals.”

I could sense a pressure. The old “If you’re not growing you’re dying” feeling weighing down on her.

Something felt wrong with that.

I looked at her and said, 
“Don’t confuse contentment with complacency.”

 

Complacency is bad.
a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.¹

I don’t want to ever be caught with “smug satisfaction.”

But contentment is ok.
the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind.²

Do you see the word “satisfaction” in both definitions? It’s a fine line.

My wife and I are two weeks away from our baby boy being born. I can promise you when he’s here, I will be more than content to feed him, change him, and hold him. I’m going to be far less concerned with achievement.

So when are we in seasons of contentment, and when does it turn into complacency?

I think it comes down to a rhythm. Looking at where you’ve been in the last season and recognizing when that changes.

A farmer’s life is the easiest example.

If he’s spending spring resting instead of planting seed, he is complacent. 
If he’s enjoying his hard work after the harvest is collected, he is content.

 

There should be work. We should work hard (maybe even toil a little bit). Contributing to society, providing for ourselves and our families as our God-given abilities allow.

But there should also be rest. A time to slow down, sit back, and look around at how good we have it. 

If you’ve been complacent, set some goals for yourself. Think about things bigger than where you are today and take action to move there.

If you’ve been striving, take a moment this week and be content. 
(I fear this is where more of us are)

Eat, drink, and enjoy.

 

“What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 
…
I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”

‭‭ – Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:9-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬