Usually, when considering which paths we should take there are only two: The Right Path and The Wrong Path. Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists share two extra paths to mull over next time you have a life changing decision to make. Time to consider ‘The Left Path’ and ‘No Path’:
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 merely faced with two potential courses of action. Rather, as many as four choices appear in front of us 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 opportunity—take the right path.
The wrong path. Similarly, there are some paths that’re blatantly incorrect, filled with obstacles and venomous creatures lurking about. Avoid these routes, even when they appear to be beautiful or tantalizing or easy.
The left path. Sometimes, though, the fork presents two equally viable options: The right path is right, but so is the left. Or maybe you cannot tell which path is correct from your vantage point. 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. Paradoxically, when we are faced with two unknown paths—left and right—we often freeze with indecision, stuck in our own decision-making paralysis. This is the worst option of all. Not deciding is always a bad decision.
Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus write about living a meaningful life with less stuff for 2 million readers. They live in Montana by way of Dayton, Ohio. Feat. on: CBS, NPR, Forbes, USA Today, Wall St. Journal, Boston Globe, Zen Habits. Read about our 21-day journey.
The Right Path, Wrong Path, Left Path And No Path | The Minimalists
