"Qui trop embrasse mal étreint"

The essence of the quote is about the dangers of overreaching. When someone tries too hard or stretches themselves too thin, they often fail to achieve their goals. It's like aiming too high and missing the target completely. Rather than focusing on a steady and measured approach, they go all out, often to their own detriment.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Think about the story of Icarus from Greek mythology. Icarus was given wings made of feathers and wax, with a warning not to fly too close to the sun. But, in his excitement and ambition, he ignored the warning, flew too high, and the sun melted the wax. He plummeted into the sea and drowned. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching.

Now, let’s bring it closer to home with a real-life example. Have you ever heard of the dot-com bubble in the late 1990s and early 2000s? During this period, internet-based companies were skyrocketing in value because everyone believed the internet was the future—which it was, but not every company could sustain the hype. Companies overextended themselves, investing heavily without solid business plans or revenue streams. When the bubble burst, many of these companies collapsed, and investors lost millions. They aimed too high without the necessary foundation, and it all came crashing down.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? It’s all about setting realistic goals and knowing your limits. Take on challenges, yes, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you’re starting a new project or learning a new skill, set small, achievable milestones. Reflect regularly on your progress and adjust your plans if necessary. It’s okay to dream big, but make sure you have a step-by-step plan to get there.

Imagine this: you’re training for a marathon. If you’ve never run before, you wouldn’t start by trying to run 26.2 miles on your first day. You’d begin with shorter distances, gradually increasing as your stamina builds. Overreaching would be attempting that marathon right out of the gate—you’d likely get injured or give up out of frustration. But by pacing yourself and building up gradually, you’ll not only finish the race but feel a sense of accomplishment too.

Thinking back to when I first started writing, I remember trying to tackle an entire novel in one go. I had this grand vision but no plan. I wrote a few chapters, got overwhelmed, and abandoned it. But then, I took a step back and started with short stories. Each finished story built my confidence and skill. Eventually, I returned to the novel with a more realistic approach, breaking it into manageable sections. This time, I finished it.

So, the next time you set a goal, remember Icarus, the dot-com crash, and the marathon trainer. Don’t let ambition blind you. Start small, build steadily, and you’ll find success without the crash and burn. And hey, if you ever find yourself diving in too deep, it’s okay to reassess and adjust—better to take a step back than to miss your target entirely.