“It is too late for the mind to equip itself to endure dangers once they are already there. ‘I didn’t think it would happen’ and ‘Would you ever have believed it would turn out so?’ Why ever not?“—Seneca
Have you ever experienced the sensation of simply coasting through life? Perhaps you know someone who gives off that impression? Or maybe you’ve never fully grasped the fact that life circumstances can change in an instant? There are moments when we say, or hearing others say, “I never expected things to turn out like this. I’m shocked.” It’s astonishing how quickly lives can be completely upended, all within the blink of an eye.
These thoughts crossed my mind when I heard the news of actor Carl Weathers’ passing in 2024. Weathers became famous for his role as the boxer Apollo Creed in the Rocky movie series. In the first Rocky film, Creed, the reigning champion, and his entourage decide to take on an unknown fighter from Philadelphia named Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone.
The fight was scheduled to take place on the anniversary year of the United States’ birthday, symbolizing the country as the land of opportunity by giving a chance to an underdog. Everyone considered Balboa too old and unskilled because he was just a local fighter who competed against average opponents for little money.
Creed underestimates Balboa, believing he can easily defeat him whenever he chooses during the fight. During one scene, Creed’s trainer, Tony, catches a glimpse of Balboa on the news, training in a meat locker and relentlessly striking raw meat until his hands are stained with blood. Worried that Balboa might pose more of a challenge than expected and is taking the fight seriously, Tony urges Creed to watch Balboa’s training.
However, Creed dismisses his concerns, preoccupied with reviewing his finances and publicity with his advisors. Clearly confident in his abilities, Creed only wants to put on a good show for the audience before ultimately defeating Balboa, who is clearly outclassed. Creed confidently predicts that he will knock out Balboa within a few rounds.
Creed’s Wake-Up Call
In the opening round of the fight, Creed’s confidence remains evident as Balboa throws punches into the air, missing the faster Creed. Creed is taunting him, toying with him. However, it is now evident that Balboa is well-prepared, even managing to knock the reigning champ down with a powerful left-hand punch, leaving the audience and Creed shocked. As both fighters regroup after the first round, one of the movie’s greatest lines is spoken by Tony. He tells Creed that Balboa “…doesn’t know it’s a damn show. He thinks it’s a damn fight.”
Tony then urges Creed to finish off Balboa so they can go home. Clearly unprepared and underestimating his opponent, Creed engaged in a fierce battle to protect his title. It was Creed’s wake-up call. And we too, face all types of potential wake-up calls leaving us surprised, discombobulated or full of fear.
My Wake-Up Call
When I first joined the marketing team of my company decades ago, I had already achieved success in sales management. I took on the role in marketing at headquarters on an interim basis, knowing that it would require even more focus and effort. It wasn’t my first time at headquarters, the “fish bowl” as someone had called it, since I had worked in finance there a decade earlier.
However, this time around, things were different. I had recently got married to someone who was not from the area, and I was learning how to be a good husband while also keeping up with the demands of my job. I didn’t have an overwhelming sense of confidence since I simply didn’t know what to expect in terms of workload and my responsibilities. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the job required me to work late and even on weekends. Gradually, I found my footing and learned how to prioritize and understand the new dynamics in my new role.
A Cautionary Tale
When I look back on my experience, I shared the same cautionary advice with my own children as they were getting ready for life after high school. I warned them that it can be difficult to foresee the surge in responsibilities and workload that comes with growing older. However, I also realized that, just like me, they would only truly understand the challenges and demands once they entered their new environments of school or work. Life is not a practice session, and in order to succeed, we must approach our work, our mental and physical health, and our relationships with the same intensity as if it were our metaphorical Super Bowl.
However, one could argue, “I’m not a professional athlete.” Every moment in life, regardless of your role, holds significance. Are you fully present when your children try to communicate with you, actively avoiding distractions like your phone? Do you attempt to spend quality time with them and support their activities? Are you taking your significant other for granted, simply going with the flow?
Because if you are, it can have hidden consequences that lead to the deterioration of your relationships, job, and other important aspects of your life. And what about your spirituality? How are you nurturing your connection with the Divine? Coasting through life is like a stagnant pond, where the water never circulates. Over time, this leads to the breeding of mosquitoes, the growth of bacteria, and a decrease in oxygen necessary for life to thrive.
Often, it takes a wake-up call to snap someone out of their stupor when a catastrophe strikes.
- Neglecting your relationship with your significant other? The relationship deteriorates and divorce may occur.
- Failing to fulfill your commitments at work? You may find yourself facing the terms of separation.
- Neglecting your health or overindulging in drinking? Suddenly, a serious health issue may arise, causing alarm.
How to Avoid the Trap of Complacency
How can we overcome complacency and our natural tendency to coast? The key lies in being mindful of what inspires us and gives our lives meaning. Whether we’ve been in the workforce for a month or three decades, we must find purpose in our work. More importantly, we must determine what gives our lives meaning!
If you are a team leader at work, you must continually provide your team clear, challenging goals, so complacency doesn’t materialize. Your focus and commitment sets the standard for your team to emulate. Are you setting the right standard?
Furthermore, an intervention might be necessary for those who might not be tracking on the right path. In case you have someone in your life who seems to be coasting, consider removing their support system to give them a wake-up call. Alternatively, it may be necessary to outline clearly the consequences of their actions or lack thereof.
For instance, in situations where an employee is consistently failing to complete their work on time or producing work of poor quality, it becomes necessary to engage in a crucial conversation to understand the underlying reasons and address the issue. If the problem persists despite the conversation, it may be necessary to implement a performance improvement plan.
As mentioned previously, one statement that often is stated after a situation deteriorates is “well, I didn’t think it would get to this point.” As the philosopher Seneca stated about a military general’s lack of thinking is applicable to us:
“…the most shameful excuse a general could make was ‘I did not think.’ [I believe] that is the most shameful excuse a man could make.“
Take time to ponder what potential consequences could occur, you should strive to be less like Apollo Creed in his first fight with Balboa.
Apply these 5 concepts
First, take time to cultivate your important relationships. Take time to spend with your loved ones.
For your physical fitness and health, dedicate time throughout the week to exercise and preparing nutritious meals. In addition, using drugs or smoking significantly increases the likelihood of a premature death – so please stop.
When it comes to work, we should give our full attention to what needs attention, as a professional. If you are unhappy with your job, consider trying to resolve the issue or explore other opportunities. If work is conflicting with relationships at home, then reprioritization is in order.
In addition, regular prayer allows us to connect with the Divine and establish a relationship that can provide sustenance. Without prayer, we become like a disconnected branch, unable to receive nourishment and thrive. By committing to your work, your body and your spirit for just a month, for instance, you may find that you may “reenroll” for a longer period of time.
Finally, let’s explore the Stoic concept of Premeditatio malorum (i.e. negative visualization), which involves reflecting on potential risks and negative outcomes that could arise in our lives. Consider what would happen if you unexpectedly lost your job or if you or a loved one became seriously ill. How would you react to these situations? The purpose is not to dwell on negativity, but rather to contemplate these scenarios in order to appreciate what we currently have and mentally prepare ourselves in case these unfortunate circumstances were to occur.
Questions to Ask Yourself
When will you push yourself to be the best version of yourself and give your utmost efforts in life? What will it take? If you are simply going through the motions and not prepared for life, the challenges and trials that you encounter won’t show any sympathy for your lack of readiness. Tragedies and obstacles are inevitable for all of us, but why not strive to equip ourselves beforehand mentally, physically, and spiritually, so that we can better endure the hardships that come our way? The Rocky movie, specifically the subplot about Apollo Creed’s complacency, offers a valuable lesson for all of us in our own lives. As Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote about the utility of drama,
“At first, tragedies were brought on the stage as means of reminding men of the things that happen to them, and that it is according to Nature for things to happen so, and that, if you are delighted with what is shown on the stage, you should not be troubled with that which takes place on the larger stage.”
At the end of the first Rocky movie, Creed emerges victorious in a highly debated split decision, holding onto his heavyweight title. However, in real life, the repercussions of complacency may not be as lenient. We should always know the valuable lessons that art and real-life situations can teach us. It is important to avoid making the same mistakes as fictional characters or those we see in the news today. We must never be complacent, as the signs are there for all of us to see and learn from, if only we will listen and be mindful of them. Remember, this is your life, not a mere show!
Key-Takeaways
- Coasting through life, simply going through the motions or acting with complacency, is a surefire way to settle for mediocrity or even invite potential tragedy. Furthermore, complacency often leads to future regrets.
- It is crucial to ponder the risks associated with coasting through life. Prepare mentally for potential challenges and focus on improving your mental, physical and spiritual fitness levels.
- We should:
- Revisit what gives your life meaning and purpose. Let that meaning help prioritize your life. Set the standard for yourself and for those you might lead—at work and home.
- Prioritize investing in our relationships, especially with our loved ones.
- Dedicate our full effort to fulfilling our responsibilities, whether it be in school or at work.
- Commit to regular exercise and maintain a healthy diet to prevent disease or physical dysfunction.
- Connect with the Divine, through prayer, workshops, and other spiritual activities.
