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Why I Never Choose the Easy Route
Life is all about choices. We make them every day — from what we wear and what we eat to the route we take to work. Every decision shapes who we are and who we become. No matter what choice we face, we have the power to decide.
Personally, I usually choose the toughest route. Sometimes it has worked to my detriment, but most of the time it has worked in my favor. Not choosing the easy route has benefited me in ways that have made me a stronger and more well-rounded person. Below are a few examples.
I choose growth. And there is no growth in comfort.
My growth happens when I face difficulty and adversity. Challenges force me to think critically, solve problems, and stretch far beyond my comfort zone. When I’m pushed, I have no choice but to improve. I’ve been this way my whole life — always choosing the harder path. When everyone took Spanish, I took French. When everyone played basketball and football, I chose soccer and tennis. I challenge myself because it stimulates my mind and pushes me forward.
Taking the hard route also builds confidence. There are moments of uncertainty, but once I accomplish my goal, my belief in myself skyrockets.
One time, I was thrown into coaching a flag football team midseason after the head coach quit. As the assistant coach, I could have walked away. Instead, I stepped up and finished the season strong — and ended up coaching three more seasons after that. My teams became known for playing hard and being fundamentally…
