"Évitez la banalité la maîtrise consiste en la complexité jusqu'à la limite de l'inconfort"

Mastery isn’t about sticking to what’s safe and familiar. It’s about pushing the envelope, exploring complexity, and embracing discomfort. When you’re mastering something, you’re not just going through the motions or doing things that are easy. You’re diving into the deep end, tackling challenging problems, and constantly expanding your limits.

Historically, this idea has been echoed by many great thinkers and doers. Think about it—when was this kind of advice given? Probably when someone was stuck, playing it safe, or stagnating. Imagine a mentor telling their protégé that if everything feels easy and comfortable, they’re not growing. This could apply to a painter trying new techniques, a coder learning a new language, or an athlete pushing past their previous limits.

Take, for instance, the life of Steve Jobs. He didn’t avoid complexity. Apple’s products weren’t just straightforward; they were innovative to the point of being discomforting sometimes. The first iPhone, launched in 2007, didn’t just add a feature here or there—it redefined what a phone could be. The complexity and the risk involved were immense. But that’s where mastery lived for Jobs and the team at Apple. They operated on the edge, constantly pushing boundaries.

So, how can you apply this piece of wisdom to your own life? First, embrace challenges. When you find yourself in a situation where everything is smooth sailing, it’s time to seek out something new or difficult. Try learning a new skill that intimidates you or take on a project that feels slightly out of reach. Discomfort is a sign of growth.

Picture this: You’re a writer. You’ve been writing short stories for years, and you’re pretty good at it. But now, you’re feeling a bit stuck. Your stories are good but not groundbreaking. What if you decided to write a novel? The idea scares you a bit. It’s a lot more complex than a short story. You need to develop a plot that sustains interest over hundreds of pages and create characters that grow and change. It’s daunting, sure, but it’s also where mastery lies. By pushing into this new, complex, uncomfortable domain, you’re likely to transform your writing.

Here's a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re learning to play the guitar. At first, you stick to simple chords and familiar songs. But if you stay in that zone, you’ll never really grow as a musician. So, you decide to tackle a challenging piece—something with intricate fingerpicking and complex rhythms. The first attempt is rough. Your fingers fumble, and it sounds terrible. But you keep at it. Slowly, the discomfort eases, and the complex piece starts to sound like music. You've pushed yourself, and now you’re a better guitarist for it.

The key takeaway? Don’t settle for what’s easy. Dive into complexity and embrace the discomfort that comes with it. That’s where you’ll find true mastery. And remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint. So, keep challenging yourself, and don’t shy away from the tough stuff. That’s where the magic happens.