Maxim #52
Choose the harder path
This maxim is a good one to keep in mind when you find yourself thinking, “Do I stop now because it’s probably good enough, or do I keep going because it can be better?” The harder path is to keep going. Few people want to do that, but exceptional people do it all the time. They have an innate need to be the very best or to create something above and beyond what is being asked of them. They deliberately choose the harder path.
It’s tempting to take the easier path when presented with two options, particularly when each option will meet a certain base criteria. It’s what best selling author Jim Collins meant when he wrote, “Good is the enemy of great.” Deliberately choosing the harder path takes courage and generally means you have to work harder or longer at a task. The harder path is working through the weekend to re-write a presentation because you know it can be better. It’s making tough decisions when they’re needed, and not inventing delays to avoid responsibility. It’s sharing credit and recognition when it would be easy not to.
Over the years, we have come to think that this is one of the truly distinguishing characteristics that makes someone highly successful. Many people want to do what is required of them, but stop at that. It’s a rare and valuable person that willingly goes the extra mile not because its required, and not for immediate gain, but simply because they feel compelled to do so. If you aspire to be great, choose the harder path.
