Comfort Is Costly: Why “Change Nothing” Might Be Holding You Back

Back in the 1970's, a McDonald's franchise owner in Pittsburgh came up with the brilliant idea to sell Donuts and Danish (with approval) as he noticed there was tons of traffic passing by his restaurant in the morning.

Next

Another person suggested another idea, "what if we use the griddle and the deep fryer for cooked breakfast items in addition to our world famous burgers and fries?"

A "To-Go Eggs Benedict" was created with the Egg McMuffin, maximizing the use of existing equipment.

Now

McDonald's breakfast revenue represents about 25% of their total revenue.

The silent truth behind stagnation and transformation.

We often find comfort in routine.

Avoiding the new idea migh have seemed like the easier path.

No risk of critism, or facing potential emabarrassment.

But if this person didn't take the leap, innovation may never have happened.

Without taking a leap, opportunities may remain undiscovered.

Yes, the familiar often feels safe, predictable, & effortless.

Comfort may feel reassuring, but it often breeds complacency.

Complacency is the quiet force behind stagnation.

In Leadership & Life, progress is rarely found in stillness; those who hesitate risk falling behind, while those who embrace change, shape the future.

This week, I heard a Senior Leader state, "growth is not inevitable. Just because we've increased consistently for the past 20+ years, doesn't mean it will continue unless we continue to think ahead."

Corporate Leadership: José Suquet’s Transformational Approach

During this week's podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with José Suquet, the Chairman & CEO of Pan-American Life Insurance Group.

Jose shares how embracing change was the key to revitalizing his company.

When he took the helm, he recognized that maintaining the status quo would lead to decline.

Instead, he focused on strategic reinvention, ensuring that his leadership team adapted to market shifts while staying true to their core values.

His story exemplifies how leaders who resist change risk irrelevance, while those who embrace it drive lasting impact.

"He reveals that long before presenting the Sigmoid Curve to his team, he had already embraced its core lesson—that reinvention is the key to sustained progress."

He waited for the PEAK and then challenged his team to "Think Next."

🔹 Nearly 80% of organizations must overhaul their business strategies every 2–5 years to remain competitive in an evolving market, highlighting the necessity of continuous adaptation, according to a study on change management by KPMG.

How you can use this personally:

"I'm so comfortable in the job that I've been doing for 25 years, I don't dare do anything else." 

"It's good enough for now."

Fire yourself.  Move on.  Learn something new.  Bet on yourself.  Five recent podcast guests shared this specifically, without being prompted.

Write that book.  Start that non-profit.  Get up on stage. Paint Art to sell at farmer markets.  

From "Now to Next" 

During my recent keynote, I introduced my "Now to Next Analog" highlighting that most people stay in the “Now” because it feels safe, but true leaders push toward the “Next”.

I emphasized that transformation isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about taking intentional steps forward.

Whether in business, personal growth, or leadership, the shift from Now to Next is what separates those who thrive from those who stagnate.

Stories of Bold Action

In a past episode of Most People Don’t… But YOU DO!, I shared the story of a Doggie Daycare facility that was losing money due to lack of staffing to host the dog. 

"A visionary individual proposed a unique solution—why not offer dogs to vacationing visitors seeking companionship, with the pet owners' approval? This innovative approach not only allowed the shop to host more animals but also introduced a new revenue stream, as guests paid for the experience. The result? Twice the revenue and a thriving environment for both pets and people.

This shop was able to increase the number of animals hosted because they now had other people that were paying them to watch someone else's dog.  Double revenue.

Most People Don’t… But You Do

"It is easy to BE, but better to BECOME."

Most People don’t take action, but those who do achieve success. 

Even Small, Intentional Actions Lead to Extraordinary Outcomes.

Every week I have conversations with successful leaders that share powerful stories, practical insights, and motivational lessons to help you be better, feel better, do better, and enjoy a more meaningful and impactful life.

Thank you for following us and supporting us!

For More Inspiration

🎧 Listen to this week’s podcast episode:

Reinvent While Winning: José Suquet’s Story of Listening First and Leading Forward

Chairman & CEO, Pan-American Life Insurance Group

Every week, I have conversations with leaders who share powerful insights to help you Be Better, Feel Better, Do Better, and Live with Greater Impact.

🔹 Find the podcast on Apple, Spotify at mostpeopledont.com.

Don't miss out on the chance to be inspired and empowered!

It's another great one! 🎧