I took an online art class this month and the first principle was about contrast. The presenter, Nicholas Wilton, said that difference gives us energy and meaning. Without contrast — light and dark, rough and smooth, loud and quiet — everything becomes flat and indistinguishable.

Contrast is everything in business too. The contrast between where you are and where you want to be creates the energy to change. The contrast between a good month and a bad one reveals what actually matters. When you’re too comfortable, growth stalls. Contrast — even uncomfortable contrast — is often the thing that clarifies what you really want and what you’re willing to do to get it.