I had coffee with a friend today. He referenced a mutual friend following the path of least resistance.
Without going into details, I get it – the situation there has factors that cannot be avoided, things are outside of human control. It sucks. And so there are only so many paths one can follow.
On the other hand, we sat and talked about another situation. And I was seeking to follow the path of most resistance. To step into something that I don’t think I can fix. To talk to someone who I don’t think will hear what I am trying to say. And yet I am going to do it anyway.
I think a lot of us follow the path of least resistance. We avoid our spouses when we know we blew it. We try to fly under the radar with our bosses so that we don’t have to sit down for hard conversations. We try to accomplish our dreams without ever really investing the sweat equity that it takes. I am finding myself in my own words here.
The path of least resistance is attractive to those who value efficiency and productivity. However, sometimes the only way is through. Sometimes the only path is the one that runs straight into your elephant. Sometimes the only conversation that is going to change anything is the one that absolutely terrifies you.
There comes a point where you just have to put your cards on the table and stop running away, around, above and below. A point where you gotta run through.
Maybe its about time you, me, we, us…maybe its time the path of least resistance started collecting cobwebs and dust and the path of most resistance got dust kicked up and new trail blazed.
“The best way is always through.” -Robert Frost
-The Savage
