The Easy Way or the Right Way

I learnt a song when I was smaller and part of it goes like this “A turn in the path, a fork in the road and sometimes I wonder which way to go.” Many times we are faced with situations and we are tempted to take the easy way but is the easy way the right way? Sometimes making the right decision isn’t easy but we need to do it anyway. Let’s talk about five ways we can choose the right way instead of just an easy one.

Think about who it affects – Our decisions affect us positively and negatively. Even though these decisions are ours they also affect the persons within our environment. We should never think that we are living for ourselves only. The easy decisions can give temporary results that may be fulfilling just for a moment but the right decisions can give you lasting results that will benefit you for a lifetime.

Think about how it makes you feel- many times our “gut feeling” tells us that the choice we are making isn’t the right one but we do it anyway. We then know that further down we will have to deal with the repercussions of the decision we made. Feeling good just for a time is okay but for how long? Suffering now and reaping the fruits, in the end, seems more rewarding to me. The best decision for your life isn’t always easy, we should know this by now.

Look ahead- the things that are valuable don’t come easy, therefore, good things take time. It is essential to envision a life or anything that you want for yourself. The Jamaican saying goes like this “if you want good yuh nose haffi run.” This is why it is best to look forward and prepare your mind for the beautiful destination instead of settling for what works.

Keep the right friends – we are heavily influenced by who we are around. It is important that we choose conscious individuals who will have a solid impact on us. These same friends will be the ones you ask for opinions to make important decisions. Be sure that they are not giving you answers you would like to hear but honest and reasonable answers that are to your benefit.

Follow your heart but use your brain – following your heart is great but being able to assess a situation and choosing what is right is also important. Try to align the desires of your heart with the reality of your situation and make the choice that will direct you towards a rewarding and fulfilling life.

Life in itself is based on the decisions we make every day. Choosing to swat for an exam is easy but choosing to study to remember even after the exam has passed is the right way. The easy way might give quicker results but is it always right? Take your time to do what you need to do in the right and proper way then you will be more appreciative of the time spent to attain things you need in life.