The Four Paths

The Four Paths Whenever we fail to make a decision, we fail to grow. As we approach each of life’s proverbial forks in the road, we are not faced merely with two potential courses of action; rather, as many as four choices appear at each fork. The right path. Often the correct decision is glaring: the right path is illuminated, clear for miles, obvious to everyone. Whenever this is the case, seize the opportunityâ€"take the right path. The wrong path. Some paths are blatantly incorrect, crammed with unnecessary obstacles and venomous creatures. Avoid these routes, even when they seem beautiful, tantalizing, or easy. The left path. Sometimes the fork presents two equally viable options: the right path is right, but so is the leftâ€"or maybe you cannot tell which path is correct. In these instances, it is most important to simply pick either path, using all available relevant information, and keep moving forward. Even if we pick the wrong path, we grow from the failure. No path. When faced with two unknown pathsâ€"left and rightâ€"we often freeze with indecision, and then we stay stuck with decision-making paralysis. This is the worst option of all: not deciding is always a bad decision. Read this essay and 150 others in our book, Essential. Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.