We typically seek out the smoothest and quickest route to success. Whether it’s in business or life, the desire for efficiency and convenience is natural. However, as many have come to realise, the most meaningful rewards are rarely found on the easiest paths.
This truth resonates with anyone who has faced bureaucratic challenges or logistical hurdles in pursuit of a goal, and is something I have been reflecting on a great deal over the last month as I did my best to navigate an application for Malaysia’s new Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system – revealing a great effort vs reward analogy in the process.
The system, which requires all foreign vehicles to obtain a permit before entering Malaysia, has caused frustration for many, particularly Singaporeans who frequently travel to Johor Bahru – a border crossing that typically handles in excess of 300,000 people daily.
Despite its sound objectives—streamlining toll collection, improving traffic flow, and curbing rogue vehicles—the VEP’s rollout has been rocky. The process and implementation has attracted significant negative feedback, not only from Singaporean vehicle owners but also from small business owners in Johor Bahru who rely on cross-border traffic for their livelihoods.
Yet, despite the hurdles, the sheer volume of vehicle owners in Singapore who persist in navigating this challenging process speaks volumes about the long-term benefits of access to neighbouring Malaysia by car.
This experience offers a powerful analogy for business and life: the greatest rewards often lie on the path of most resistance. It is in these moments of struggle and perseverance that individuals and organisations uncover the true value of their efforts.
The Cost of Convenience
While the appeal of a frictionless process is undeniable, true success seldom comes without effort. In the case of the VEP, the fundamental objectives of the system are undeniably sound—better policing of foreign vehicles, more efficient toll collection, and smoother border crossings. However, the poor execution and significant friction in its rollout have made it a notorious example of a well-intentioned plan gone awry.
Yet, those who persevere—be it to gain access to Malaysia’s roads or to achieve a business goal—understand that the cost of convenience is often long-term stagnation. In business, taking the easy path may lead to short-term gains, but those who dare to navigate the complexities of innovation, build strong relationships, and persist through challenges are the ones who ultimately stand out.
Take, for example, the time and energy it takes to build trust in business. It’s easy to form quick, transactional relationships, but nurturing a deep, enduring partnership takes effort. It involves countless conversations, a commitment to transparency, and the willingness to overcome challenges together. The relationships that stand the test of time, just like those that weather the initial frustration of the VEP system, are built on a foundation of perseverance.
Innovation and the Will to Push Through
In a competitive business landscape, innovation is the key to staying ahead. However, innovation rarely comes cheap or easy. It requires upfront investment—both in terms of financial cost and effort. Just as securing the VEP permit may seem unnecessarily burdensome to many, the process of innovating and staying ahead of the competition can often feel like an uphill battle. There is research to be done, risks to be taken, and failures to be overcome.
Yet, those who are willing to push through these barriers often find themselves reaping the rewards. Whether it’s launching a breakthrough product or finding a unique solution to a long-standing problem, the road to innovation is often paved with challenges that test resilience and determination.
Leadership Through Adversity
For leaders, guiding a team through adversity is a true test of character. It is in these moments—when obstacles seem insurmountable, when projects face delays, or when competitors pull ahead—that a leader’s true value is revealed. A smooth path requires little motivation, but the strength to keep a team inspired when facing resistance is what differentiates great leadership.
When confronted with complex and frustrating challenges, business leaders can draw an important parallel to their own experiences. Whether it’s navigating complex regulatory landscapes, managing team dynamics, or delivering a project with tight deadlines, it’s often the hardest challenges that lead to the most significant growth. Leaders who rise to the occasion, motivating their teams through adversity, will ultimately lead their organisations to success.
The Importance of Patience and Persistence
In both life and business, persistence is often underrated. The frustration experienced by those grappling with Malaysia’s VEP system is a perfect example.
Many might be tempted to give up, opting instead for the seemingly easier route of avoiding cross-border travel altogether or perhaps use the far less convenient option of public transport. Yet, hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners in Singapore continue to battle through the system. Why? Because they understand that the effort, though challenging, is worth the reward—whether it’s business opportunities, family visits, or simply enjoying the best that Malaysia has to offer.
Similarly, in business, success often comes to those who are willing to endure the frustration of a complex process, a tough negotiation, or a challenging project. The ability to see the bigger picture, to recognise that the effort required now will lead to greater rewards later, is a defining trait of those who succeed in the long run.
Embracing the Challenges
The VEP system is a clear example of a good idea that could have been implemented better, and yet it serves as a reminder that worthwhile objectives often come with their share of difficulties. The smooth path may offer immediate gratification, but it’s the challenging paths—the ones that test our patience, perseverance, and resolve—that lead to true, long-lasting success.
In business, embracing the challenges that come our way, whether through innovation, leadership, or relationship-building, is essential. Success doesn’t come from avoiding obstacles but from facing them head-on and learning from the journey.
In life and business, the path of least resistance may seem appealing, but it’s often the path of most resistance that leads to the greatest rewards. The Vehicle Entry Permit system in Malaysia may be fraught with frustrations, but for those who persist, the benefits outweigh the challenges. Similarly, in business, the true value of effort lies in overcoming the obstacles that stand in our way, whether it’s building trust, innovating, or leading through adversity.
The most successful individuals and organisations understand that it’s not the ease of the journey that matters, but the value of the destination. So, whether you’re battling bureaucracy or navigating business complexities, the greatest rewards are usually found on the paths that require the most effort.
