"Penser est le travail le plus difficile qui soit ce qui est probablement la raison pour laquelle si peu de personnes s'y engagent."

Thinking is tough. It’s not just about letting your mind wander; it involves deep concentration and effort. That’s why most people avoid it.

Let’s put this into context. Henry Ford, the American industrialist, said this a long time ago. He was a guy who literally changed the world with his ideas, especially in how we manufacture things. Back then, and even now, people often take the easy way out and don’t push themselves to think deeply. Ford knew this because he saw the difference between people who just did their jobs and those who really thought about how to improve things.

Think about it this way: imagine you’re at work and you see a problem. It’s easy to just keep doing things the way they’ve always been done, right? But if you really think about it—analyze the problem, come up with different solutions, and then test them out—it’s hard. It takes time and effort. And a lot of people just don’t want to put in that kind of effort.

Let’s look at a real-life example. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was known for his intense focus and thoughtfulness. When developing the first iPhone, the easy route would have been to make a better version of existing phones. But Jobs and his team took a different path. They thought deeply about what people wanted and needed, even if they didn’t know it yet. They reimagined what a phone could be, which led to the creation of the smartphone as we know it today. This wasn’t easy—it involved a lot of hard thinking, sleepless nights, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by setting aside time each day just for thinking. Turn off your phone, close your laptop, and just think. It might be about a problem you’re facing at work, a personal issue, or even a new idea you want to explore. Don’t be afraid to challenge your own assumptions and consider different perspectives. It’s also helpful to write down your thoughts; sometimes, the act of writing can clarify your thinking.

Now, let’s put this into a relatable scenario. Picture this: you’re in a small team at work, trying to brainstorm ideas for a new project. Everyone’s throwing out the usual suggestions, but nothing really stands out. Instead of going with the flow, you decide to take a step back. You spend a few hours alone, thinking deeply about the project’s goals, the potential audience, and the resources available. You come back to the group with a fresh, innovative idea that no one else had considered. It’s not just different for the sake of being different—it’s a well-thought-out solution that addresses the core of what you’re trying to achieve. Your team is impressed, and you end up with a successful project that stands out from the competition.

Thinking might be hard work, but it’s the kind of hard work that pays off. It separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, don’t shy away from the mental effort required. Embrace it. You might be surprised at what you can come up with.