Life is full of easy paths and difficult paths. We all want the easy road…all the time. The easy path is a breeze. Everything falls into its proper place. Then there are the difficult paths, full of rocks and potholes, inclines, slippery slopes, bends around unseen corners, and sheer drops down a cliff. Unfortunately, many of us have been on a difficult path for a long time and we may yearn for the easy road. Instead, what if we become comfortable with the difficult path? What if we master ourselves to fly over the road bumps and potholes?
Recently, I was avoiding the difficult path until life pushed me directly onto it where I met the tasks I was avoiding. I truly had no choice but to overcome the bumps (technically, I had the choice of doing nothing, but this is a topic for another day). When I absolutely had to do something, I did it. I did it well. There were costs and extra time associated with these tasks. But, once the tasks were done, they no longer held me hostage. The looming fear dissipated. A client said, “We learn more from the bad bosses than from the good bosses”. The same is true for difficult times or difficult paths. In fact, there is a term “growth edge” which explains the dangerous edge where most growth occurs. Think of this edge as the steep path to climb a mountain. You put yourself in a precarious situation, but you get the best rewards from doing so.
How can we become comfortable with difficult paths?
- Think about the past difficulties you have overcome. It can be done.
- What made the difficult path unbearable? What made it worse?
- Was there a moment when you accepted that you were on a difficult road and went with the flow? And, at this point did the difficulty reduce a bit?
There is a phrase in English, “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill”. Mountains are defined to be 2000 feet (or 610 meters) above sea level while a molehill, created by small burrowing animals, ranges from 12 to 18 inches (or 30 to 45 cm). I knew I was making mountains out of molehills when I was avoiding some tasks, but I was convinced I had set the appropriate priorities. It turned out I was wrong.
This was not the first time I learned this lesson. And I want to make it the last time I have to learn this lesson because I believe the changes that are in store for us (mainly, from emerging technologies and climate change) will crash into us like a series of small tsunami waves. I want to strengthen my stance to withstand whatever comes our way. A few techniques I hope to use during challenging times going forward include:
- Breathe. Practice centering and grounding. Reassess current workload.
- Identify any resistance and blind spots.
- Reprioritize tasks.
- Stay nimble.
- Adapt.
What are some ways you have made mountains out of molehills? And, in which ways have you overcome them in the past?
Copyright © 2023 Devashri Gupta. All rights reserved.
