Not certain whether it is impolitic pride or outright impracticality that stimulates one to venture inappropriately beyond one’s scope.  Perhaps it is conceived a dynamic view of moral imperative. But it is categorically erroneous to undertake anything outside one’s norm at least where the enterprise is not purely for unmitigated adventure.  Otherwise outcome matters. It is feasible when starting out in life that everything is beyond one’s terms of reference – but even that I have learned is a horrid mistake.The limitation is connected to competence not one’s personal ambition; and as such should be assessed critically not as confinement or a missed opportunity. What is at stake is aptitude and performance. Even within a vernacular other than that of one’s trade or profession – say a mere social engagement – any extension should be evaluated before entertaining the latitude. Keep in mind too that the guiding principle is how one feels about the enterprise; that is, knowing what you do best is as instinctive and visceral as any other appetite.  The edict is as much a prescription of gut as of mind.

The analytic reason for the compass is twofold: 1) it makes life easier; and 2) it pays off. The summary requires decoding.

Makes life easier

There is a natural abhorrence of doing anything because it is easier. It smacks of indolence and inadequacy. Yet to do otherwise exposes one to unanticipated complication and unnecessary endurance. If the only object is to prove or disprove one’s ability to perform a particular act, then go ahead.  But if success depends on the aftermath the challenge is manifestly a wager.

There is no limit upon the qualification. For example, doing things more easily extends to such trivialities as setting the table for company.  Getting out the Crown Derby, the sterling silver and the salt cellars can not only exhaust the strength of the host but also poison the gravity of the guests.  Aligning the convocation to a simple expression at table heightens the putative reason of the foregathering (which for purposes of this argument I am assuming is the acquaintance with one’s guests not the display of one’s service). This clarity of purpose is relevant to all other matters as well, including not only professional activity but also casual undertakings like emails and telephone calls to others. The limitation should be seen not as toxic obsession but instead as familiar direction. If you prefer a life without reflection then this is an obvious impediment.

The insinuation if any is not directed at classification of people though the constraint is possible upon some interpretation. Going beyond one’s limitations is not a social or professional restriction alone; it is an acknowledgement of convenience and facility which is as far-reaching as expediency and ability. Making life easier should not be confused with enjoying life; they are one and the same in the result.  That’s the first point.

It pays off

The second points this; your guaranteed to get what you pay for. Nobody likes being screwed. We all like value for money. That translates into earning an easy living from what one does.  Again, a reminder that “easy” is neither a descension nor a diminution; rather it is a palpable and recognizable achievement. It (doing what you do best and outsourcing the rest) pays off not only in terms of compensation but also in terms of gratification. There is for example no indignity in the decision of a family physician referring a difficult diagnosis to a specialist. Nor I suspect would the patient object to the confession of agency.

There is an unmistakable resonance of another adage; namely, listen to your instincts.  That all these truths are aligned is no accident. Reducing life to its elemental features naturally implies both simplification and conjugation (or, if you prefer, matrix similarity, the fine material used to bind together the coarser particles of a composite substance).

The more remote this mantra becomes from the commercial context, the more dangerous is its omission. Just because there is no immediate or readily apparent hazard doesn’t mean it does not exist.  The overriding warning is to do what you know and forget what you don’t.  If there is any hesitation it merits a minimum of reservation and a maximum of preservation. It is surprising how volatile even the most seemingly cautious note may become instantly pernicious. Similarly it warrants constant reminder that the principle inevitably makes things easier. Unless you are dedicated to inalterable confusion, there is literally an easier way!