Choosing the Difficult Yet Right Path

In the journey of life and business, we are constantly faced with a crucial decision: should we opt for the easy route or embrace the challenges that come with doing difficult things? This is a question that has profound implications for our personal growth, professional success, and overall fulfillment.

The Temptation of the Easy Road Recently, a student posed an interesting query: "Should I start with simple tasks to earn some money first and then tackle more challenging endeavors? Why take on difficult tasks right from the beginning, like participating in a tender? What if I fail?"

There is some logic to the idea of starting with simple tasks to make money. Perhaps you might stumble upon a lucrative opportunity, riding the wave of a market trend or industry boom. For instance, you enter a particular field during its heyday and find that making a profit seems effortless. If you're fortunate enough to catch such a wave, by all means, seize the moment. However, it's essential to recognize that the money earned this way is often a result of favorable circumstances that are transient. These so-called 'bonuses' will eventually fade away.

Take the example of a person with high blood lipid levels. The nutritionist advises a regular diet rich in light and healthy foods. But the individual, with a penchant for indulgent cuisine, disregards the advice. Choosing to satisfy immediate cravings is an easy decision, but it comes at the expense of long-term health. By the time the person realizes the severity of the problem, rectifying the situation becomes an arduous task. In contrast, adhering to a healthy diet, although initially difficult, paves the way for improved well-being and substantial long-term benefits.

The Merits of the Difficult Path My perspective is that if you attempt something and fail, it might indicate that you haven't previously engaged in challenging activities to build your core competencies. True difficulty doesn't lie in the failure of a tender or any single task. What's truly challenging is investing time and effort in creating a sustainable competitive advantage, much like building a moat around your business.

Consider the pharmaceutical industry. Suppose you collaborate with a scientist for several years to develop a new drug formula. This process is fraught with difficulties, but once you succeed, finding partners for production and distribution becomes relatively straightforward. Similarly, developing a software application over an extended period is no easy feat. However, upon its successful launch, subsequent processes, such as marketing and user acquisition, can become significantly more manageable.

This concept is closely related to the adage 'enter through the narrow gate, take the long road, and glimpse the faint light.' It suggests that choosing a more challenging path increases the likelihood of achieving long-term success and experiencing greater fulfillment. As Yu Hua wrote in the postscript of his novel Brothers, "Writing is such a curious endeavor. Starting from a narrow perspective often leads to a broad expanse, while beginning with a broad approach may end up in a confined space."

The same principle applies to entrepreneurship. A seemingly wide and accessible path may lead to dead ends, while a narrow and initially daunting route can open up into a vast and promising landscape. Many people shy away from difficult tasks at the outset, leaving those who persevere with fewer competitors. For example, in the consulting industry, choosing strategic consulting may be more challenging initially due to its high entry barriers. However, those who venture into this field often find that their path broadens over time, as opposed to management consulting, where competition intensifies as more people enter the fray.

Doing the Difficult and Right Thing So, how can we navigate this decision-making process? Here are two key considerations:

1. Persist in Doing the Difficult and Right Thing The saying, "Enter through the narrow gate, not the wide one. The wide gate is easy to enter, attracting many, but it leads to perdition. The narrow gate, with fewer people, leads to eternal life," holds valuable wisdom for entrepreneurs. To make the subsequent journey smoother, it may be necessary to take on challenging tasks from the start.

For example, in the e-commerce realm, when faced with the prevalent practice of fake reviews, the easy choice is to follow suit. However, the real challenge lies in upholding one's values and refraining from such unethical behavior. This may mean sacrificing short-term profits, but as the industry becomes more regulated, those who remain committed to integrity will find their businesses thriving in the long run.

Similarly, as the CEO of a startup, if you find yourself micromanaging every aspect of the company, you may inadvertently become a bottleneck to its growth. The key is to recognize the need for change and bring in talented professional managers. Although this transition can be difficult, it is essential for the company's continued development.

2. Discover the Narrow Path within the Wide Gate What if you initially choose an easy task or enter through the wide gate? The solution is to identify a more challenging and less-trodden path within it. By doing so, you can differentiate yourself from the competition and build a unique value proposition.

Take the restaurant business as an example. Opening a restaurant may seem straightforward, attracting a large number of entrants. However, as competition intensifies, finding a niche becomes crucial. Haidilao, for instance, built its competitive edge by offering exceptional customer service at a time when the industry as a whole did not prioritize it. As a result, it has remained a top choice for many consumers, even in a saturated market.

In the world of short videos, the early days were marked by a shortage of content creators, allowing many with mediocre skills to profit. However, as the market became flooded, those who dedicated themselves to producing high-quality content and honing their skills emerged as winners. Platforms began to favor these creators, providing them with more exposure opportunities, while those who relied solely on the initial wave of popularity faced the risk of being left behind.

In conclusion, whether in writing, entrepreneurship, or life in general, the path to success often lies in choosing the difficult yet right option. By entering through the narrow gate, taking the long road, and persevering through challenges, we can avoid the pitfalls of the easy route and create a sustainable future for ourselves. Even if we start through the wide gate, we can still find our way to a fulfilling and prosperous journey by discovering the hidden narrow paths within. Let us all strive to embrace the challenges and pursue the right goals, for it is through these endeavors that we can truly realize our potential and achieve lasting success.