The Easy Way

Sometimes the easy way is not so easy, and what may seem to be a sure thing can often lead to empty promises and disappointment.  On the other hand, the hard way seems to always be hard.  It will test your determination and courage.  You may want to give up or question if it is worth it at all.

I have known two very dear people in my life that took vastly different paths and in the end, had two very different outcomes.  Let’s start with the easy way.  First of all, let’s try to define the easy way.  Perhaps it means getting to a desired destination or a defined goal without putting much effort into it while expecting to achieve dynamic results.

My friend always looked for shortcuts and ways to bypass the part of the journey that required effort, engagement, and execution.  That’s not to say that a lot of thought went into thinking, plotting, and conspiring to circumvent the system.  Over the years my friend tried every get rich, pyramid scheme and multi-level marking plan out there.  I would get a call several times a month telling me about a new business that I could get in on the ground floor and that the potential to make money was amazing.

Unfortunately, success was not something my friend ever attained.  Several of his cars were repossessed, leases on apartments were broken resulting in my friend and his whole family moving in with his mother.  I will admit that a lot of planning and excitement went into the journey but in the end, the results were not successful.

Maybe some of the ideas would have been successful if actual action and consistent execution would have been taken.  I offered employment, training, and help in finding a direction and a path.  In the end, I came to realize that I couldn’t walk my friend’s journey.  It was a path chosen and change would not take place until rock bottom was reached.  The easy way was not so easy.

Let’s talk about the hard way.  It seems to be a journey that might challenge us, test our courage and passion for what we want to accomplish.  The end result can be that you reach the desired results or destination based on the determined goals.

My other friend lacked education and formal training but displayed immense courage, drive, and determination.   Small goals were made that were attainable.  As each goal was met, knowledge and experience were added to the life tool belt.

The hard way was not without its challenges and roadblocks.  In fact, there were many.  With each goal met and with the newly attained tools more goals were set.  Mentors, influencers, and information were sought out.  Mentors gave advice, influencers opened doors, and information was analyzed for the next part of the journey.  In time life became fulfilling and the success earned the respect of others.

People came to my friend now for personal and career advice.  Twenty years ago my friend made just a little over minimum wage, drove a beat-up car without air conditioning.  I had to buy lunch most of the time or my friend went hungry and there was always an empty tank of gas.  My friend, however, was highly motivated and knew what the end result looked like.

Courage, determination, curiosity, and consistency were the tools used.  Today my friend manages a big box store, is very respected, sought after and successful.   Maybe the hard way was the right way.

Point of View:

My Daddy once told me if you can imagine what you want from life, imagine how you will get there and imagine what you want looks like then you just might get there.  He told me that when I was six years old and I have always believed that.  I have always told others so they would believe in their dreams as well.

When my son was twelve years old he wanted to make money for a surfboard so he took two by fours and Astroturf to build a three-hole put-put course.  He charged the neighborhood kids two dollars to play.  My son recently told me that life’s challenges were just a part of life, no more no less and that he loved life.  He felt those challenges made him the man he is today.

Dare to imagine what you want and be fearless in your pursuit of those dreams.