Sure, there is a little truth to this folk physics saying. A muscle needs pain and resistance to grow. I am doing Yoga hand stands right now. I use to think people who stood on their heads and hands were magical. They weren't. They just worked hard, put effort and set aside their fears. While training, I took stumbles, fell on my head ( ouch) had a few headaches. Gaining the muscle and strength on my arms was key. I worked hard and did it. Now I look magical.
I gained so MUCH both physically and mentally, but no without pain.
I was thinking about the poem in the shower today. The saying of taking the path of least resistance. It's easy to stay comfortable.
Robert Frost Poem, a favorite of mine.
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173536