Recently I came across a story that illustrates how we become comfortable in our surroundings and live without noticing that we are getting in a rut.
Imagine the story of a boiling frog. Throw a frog into a pot of boiling hot water and it will immediately try to jump out, protecting itself from the pain and danger. However put the frog in a pot of cold water and it will happily and comfortably swim around.
When you heat the water slowly and gradually, the frog carries on not noticing the water getting hot. It gets used to the surroundings and eventually is cooked by the heat.
This is just what happens to us, though perhaps we don't boil to death.
In our lives if we don't seek change, we get used to what we have and don't pay attention to what is going on around us before its too late.
In the workplace or in our relationships this effect often results in us losing our jobs or our marriage. We are happily doing what we always have done without watching people and events go past us.
Our brain gets used to the routine and is happy with the status quo.
It's important not to get stuck in a rut and be boiled like the frog, always look for something new and make sure you are not left behind by your colleagues.