In my early grades, I did quite well without ever needing to study or review my work. When the teacher gave a new lesson, it would make sense to me and my marks reflected my obvious understanding.

My sisters would lament that in grade nine, I would sit on the couch watching Simpsons episodes the day before an exam, instead of studying, and still manage an 85%+.

Unfortunately, this also bred horrible work habits.

When the work suddenly became challenging, I had no work habits to fall back on to help me out. My brilliant scheme of merely getting the concept and never doing anything with it led to disastrous marks.

All things considered, it took another six years before my efforts to change that had any impact. At thirty-six, I’m still feeling the impact of those days.

The path of least resistance can seem ideal when it’s producing results, but it only works until a certain point.

The longer you stay on that path, the harder it becomes to change it.

If you see an inevitable end to the path you’re on, it’s best to start changing course now. Even the slightest nudge can put you in a better place.