"Attempt easy tasks as if they were difficult, and difficult as if they were easy; in the one case that confidence may not fall asleep, in the other that it may not be dismayed"

Baltasar Gracián's quote, "Attempt simple tasks as if they were challenging, and hard as if they were simple; in the one case that self-confidence may not fall asleep, in the other that it might not be upset," offers a profound insight into the nature of self-confidence and inspiration.

The very first part of the quote, "Attempt simple jobs as if they were challenging," recommends the value of keeping diligence and focus, even when facing jobs that appear easy or mundane. The reasoning behind this is that complacency typically accompanies jobs viewed as simple, which can cause mistakes, oversights, or a decline in quality. Gracián indicates that by dealing with simple tasks with the gravity provided to hard ones, we can sustain a disciplined approach, making sure that our abilities and attention to information do not erode over time. This method prevents the threat of "self-confidence falling asleep," a metaphor for becoming too relaxed or self-assured, which might eventually reproduce errors or an indifferent attitude.

The 2nd part, "and challenging as if they were easy," encourages adopting a mindset of calm and guarantee when dealing with overwhelming difficulties. The mental problem of seeing a job as formidable can result in intimidation or unwillingness, hindering performance. By approaching challenging tasks with the same ease normally reserved for simpler ones, we keep worry and stress and anxiety at bay. Gracián's idea is rooted in fostering a mindset where difficulty does not equate to impossibility. By dealing with the intimidating as manageable, we build durability and empower ourselves to tackle difficulties without ending up being overloaded or upset.

In essence, Gracián is offering a balanced technique for preserving constant performance and psychological balance. His advice encourages a balance in our method to jobs, advocating for humbleness in ease and self-confidence in hardship. This duality makes sure that neither overconfidence nor fear takes control, promoting a consistent, productive, and made up progression through various endeavors in life.