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People are like water; they take the path of least resistance. This can be a good thing if you find yourself in a harsh, survival situation. In that type of extreme circumstance, you want to minimize exertion so that you can maximize your ability to sustain life.

But what if we aren’t in survival mode? Unfortunately taking the path of least resistance can become our default operating system leading to what many refer to as a “comfort zone”. When it comes to living out your true potential in life and in your career, you will need to intentionally choose the path that puts you face to face with resistance. Resistance requires and produces personal growth. It is not possible to level up without confronting resistance.

If someone was to follow you around for a week, what would their evaluation be of your inclination towards choosing and confronting resistance? Would they say you are in “maintenance mode” or “growth mode”? Would they say you are “testing the waters” or that you are someone who is “jumping into the deep end and figuring out how to swim”? Are you “conserving energy” or “leaving it all out on the field”?

To achieve your full potential, you must be willing to commit to a progressively higher level of achievement and train your mind to believe it’s possible. You will then need to show up every day willing to put in the work required. The work required includes planning, learning, and doing.

Planning is reverse engineering. Start with what you want, and then work backwards to identify what you will need to do to accomplish it. Plan backwards until you can identify what needs to be done today. Today is actionable.

Learning new ideas is a prerequisite to new achievements. You can’t keep doing the same things expecting a different result. Develop a broad-based learning curriculum. If you are in sales, this will include learning about your industry, company, products, services, and all of the interpersonal communication skills needed to be effective at your chosen profession. Set aside time in your calendar for learning activities.

Both planning and learning are essential but neither can take the place of doing. You cannot plan or learn your way to success. When it comes to doing, focus on the activities you can control. A favorite hall of fame coach says focus on having a winning performance and winning will take care of itself.

The path of least resistance is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing when it comes to physical survival in extreme situations. A curse when it comes to becoming the best version of yourself. Develop the habit of regular self-examination to prevent yourself from defaulting to the path of least resistance.