"Quand tout va dans votre sens, vous n'êtes pas dans la bonne voie."

Life sometimes throws us curveballs, and if everything seems to be going too smoothly, it might be a sign that we’re not on the right path. This quote essentially tells us that if we’re never facing any challenges or obstacles, we’re probably not pushing ourselves enough. Stagnation and comfort can be deceptive, giving us a false sense of security when, in reality, we might be missing out on opportunities for growth and learning.

Historically, this concept can be tied to the idea that progress often comes through struggle and adversity. Think about the pioneers or great inventors throughout history. They didn’t achieve greatness by staying in their comfort zones. They took risks, faced numerous setbacks, and constantly pushed the boundaries of what was possible. The Wright brothers didn’t create the first successful airplane by following the status quo—they faced countless failures and skepticism but persisted because they knew they were onto something groundbreaking.

Consider a real-life example: imagine a young entrepreneur, Emma, who started her own business. For the first year, everything went incredibly well. Sales were booming, no major issues arose, and it seemed like she had the golden touch. But soon, that easy success led to complacency. She stopped innovating and didn’t feel the need to push herself or her team. When competitors entered the market with fresh ideas and better products, Emma’s business struggled to keep up. She realized that her initial smooth sailing had lulled her into a false sense of security, and she needed to get back to the drawing board, embrace challenges, and innovate to stay relevant.

So, what can we learn from this? If life is too easy, it might be time to switch lanes. Seek challenges. Don’t shy away from discomfort. Embrace the struggle because that’s where growth happens. If you’re coasting along without any bumps, it’s time to ask yourself if you’re truly pursuing your full potential or just settling for mediocrity.

Imagine you’re training for a marathon. If you stick to running the same flat, easy route every day, you’ll never build the stamina or strength needed for race day. However, if you start incorporating hills, varied terrain, and longer distances, you’ll undoubtedly face more difficulties—but you’ll also become a stronger runner. Similarly, in life, taking the path with no resistance won’t build the resilience and skills you need for the bigger challenges ahead.

Here’s a relatable scenario: think about your career. You’ve been in your job for a few years, and you know the ropes like the back of your hand. There are no surprises anymore, and you can almost do your tasks on autopilot. It’s comfortable, sure, but is it fulfilling? Are you growing? If you decide to take on a challenging project or even switch to a role that stretches your skills, you’ll likely face obstacles and maybe even some failures. But those experiences will help you grow professionally and personally.

In essence, if everything’s going your way without any hitches, it’s a sign that you’re not challenging yourself enough. Step into new, uncomfortable situations, and don’t fear the obstacles—they’re the stepping stones to growth and success.