Boss: "How long is the shortest time you can pick a lock?"

Thief: "Two minutes!"

Boss: "And what’s the longest time?"

Thief: "Also two minutes." The boss pondered for a moment and asked, "Why?"

The thief replied calmly, "Two minutes is my safety time. If I can't open it in two minutes, it means either my skills are lacking or the lock's security level is beyond my capability."

He paused and added, "Strong individuals never get entangled in unnecessary consumption; sometimes, giving up is the best choice."

The boss looked at this thief he looked down upon, yet from his concise answer, he felt a rare wisdom.

This is a clear understanding of one's own abilities, and more importantly, an effective control over time and resources.