The real wisdom here isn't about literal impossibility—it's a subtle rebuke of oversimplification. Walsh reminds us that some endeavors demand respect for their genuine difficulty; we cannot wish away genuine obstacles through casual confidence or cheerful determination alone. When you're facing a truly complex problem at work—say, changing an entrenched company culture—the impulse to "just start moving in the right direction" can blind you to the systematic resistance you'll encounter. The quote's staying power comes from its permission to acknowledge that some paths require preparation, allies, strategy, and the humbling recognition that good intentions alone won't carry you through.