"Mon mot le moins préféré en anglais est tiède."

Lukewarm. It’s that space between hot and cold where nothing really thrives. Think about it—when you're passionate about something, you go all in. You’re on fire. But when you’re lukewarm, you're just kind of... there. Not really caring one way or the other. This quote hits home because it speaks to the danger of indifference.

Imagine, for a moment, a time when you were super excited about a project or a new hobby. You probably couldn't stop talking about it or thinking about it. That's the opposite of lukewarm. Now, think of a task you did just because you had to, without any real interest. You did it, sure, but it wasn’t your best work. That’s lukewarm—and it’s not where you want to be.

Historically, this idea isn’t new. It’s been echoed by many great thinkers and leaders over time. Remember that famous line from the Bible, the one that says, "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." It’s a colorful way of saying that indifference is just not acceptable.

Let’s ground this in real life with a vivid example. Picture a chef. When a chef is passionate, you can taste it in the food. Every dish is crafted with love, spices are added with a flourish, and the presentation is impeccable. Now, imagine that same chef, but this time, they're just going through the motions. They’re not really into it. The food might still be okay, but it won’t be amazing. You’ll feel it. You’ll taste it. It's a night-and-day difference.

So, what does this mean for you? Simple. Don’t settle for lukewarm. If you find yourself in a situation or a job where you feel indifferent, it’s time to re-evaluate. Identify what sparks your passion and go after it with everything you’ve got. If you’re not sure what that is, start experimenting—try new things, take risks, and see what excites you.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Imagine you’re in a relationship. If you’re lukewarm about it, your partner will notice, and the relationship will suffer. But if you’re passionate, if you show you care deeply, the relationship will thrive. The same goes for your career, friendships, and hobbies.

To avoid falling into the trap of lukewarm, set goals that excite you. Surround yourself with people who are passionate. They’ll inspire you to kick it up a notch. And, don’t be afraid to walk away from situations that don’t light your fire. Life’s too short to be anything but fully engaged.

In a nutshell, being lukewarm is like being on autopilot. You’re not really living, just existing. So, take a deep breath, find what makes you feel alive, and dive in headfirst. You won’t regret it.