Leave your comfort zone

Maxim Gorky said that when everything is easy, one quickly descends into the abyss of mediocrity. Gorky reminds of the potential dangers that accompany a life devoid of challenges and hardships. He suggests that when individuals constantly live in ease and comfort, they fail to cultivate the skills and wisdom required to navigate complexities of life. We are forced to think critically, adapt and grow by encountering difficulties and pushing ourselves beyond our limits. Gorky's quote encourages us to embrace the growth opportunities that lie within the challenges we face, as they hold the potential to sharpen our intellect, broaden our perspectives and prevent us from succumbing to complacency.

Neuroscientists also believe that complexities of life and circumstances sharpen our brains. Brain vegetates when there's no challenge. One of Ramkrishna Paramhans' disciples was very fond of bodybuilding. He would exercise daily. One day, Ramkrishna called him affectionately and told him that his brain also needed some exercise and stirring. He gave the same invaluable advice to Narendra Nath Datta, who was fond of playing soccer. Narendra went on to become Swami Vivekananda. Affluence and opulence do not stir our minds. Munshi Premchand and Mirza Ghalib wrote their immortal works in a state of penury. The legendary German composer Ludwig van Beethoven created his ethereal symphonies despite being physically disabled.

Never forget that when we get everything effortlessly, we become mediocre automatically.