Three frogs are sitting on a log.
One decides to jump.
How many are left?
Three.
The frog made a decision but took no action.
Sound familiar?
Ah, indeed there is a notable difference between deciding to do something and actuallydoing it.
In order to experience life, to live it, we need to act! And we either choose to let things happen to us; therefore, falling into the “victim” syndrome. Or make things happen, which is what I would call the “victory” syndrome! For me, I’ll take the latter.
It hasn’t always been, nor is it always that way for me though. Several of my other blog posts (How Steal is Made, Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying) stem from those somewhat dark, sketchy little places called uncertainty, fear and complacency.
What Will Happen?!
When you walk through the fire or at least face it (you won’t always have to walk through hopefully), you’ll be greeted with success on some level. In the profound words of Theodore Roosevelt, “In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” So think of it this way, if we choose the wrong thing, at least we come away with learning something from our error; all is not lost. However, inaction teaches us nothing, beside regret.
So Long Spirit.
Often, the cause of inaction is the fear of failure. But isn’t it better to try to do something and fail than to try to do nothing and succeed? Life is synonymous with advancement, so we must make many decisions and take many risks in order to grow, to advance. Making no decision or straddling the fence doesn’t protect us at all; it simply stunts our growth and withers our spirit a little more each day.
Easy or Angst?
So are you in a place where you’re deciding to make a decision? Does making decisions come easily for you? Does it cause you angst to even think about having to make a decision(s)? I’m genuinely interested in your thoughts and insight on this – thanks so much!
We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over. Aneurin Bevan
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Hi Elena!
This post is not only insightful but also inspiring. I also believe that in some situations it is good to let things happen to us. Decision making comes easily to me but my determination falls weak sometimes owing to the surrounding adversities. There are some situations in life which can be improved by inaction while some require you to constantly work upon them!
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I couldn’t agree more with you Steve! Your words ring so true! Much to think about here …
Thank you for taking your time to read and comment! I’m grateful. As well, I’m glad you found some inspiration in it.
Have a super day!
With kindness,
Elena
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Twitter: BetsyKCross
says:
I never realized that I could have a great idea and fail to follow through because of stress. That causes more confusion and guilt than anything!
Maybe it’s age, maybe it’s just another hurdle to jump over or to find a way around, but my mindset has changed over the last couple of years about goals, decision-making, and “failure”.
There’s definitely a place for compassion (from ourselves to ourselves) that grounds me and helps me see how other people really are doing their best.
I know that fear and procrastination play a huge part in decision-making/action. But it’s also possible to have a clear vision of where you want to be, hat needs to be done, and still find yourself sitting on the couch daydreaming! LOL! THAT’S when I need someone to help me…like this post…to rekindle the fire..to need me to help them. That’s where I find most of my energy when I’m stuck: “What can I do for YOU?”
Thanks once again Elena for giving me a place to process my thoughts!
Have a great day!
Good morning friend!
You know, I love that you consider this a “place to process your thoughts” Betsy – what a gift that you feel that … thank you!
Fear and procrastination (which is actually just delaying fear) dominate for lack of decision making for sure. But something to keep in mind is that 80% of what we worry (fear) never occurs; it’s like self-inflicted pain in some form. I think we can all look back and many times say that what we feared or worried about wasn’t nearly as difficult as we initially thought. The same with procrastination. We look back and think, “Darn I should have done that sooner” or “Just think if I had done that so many days,year, etc. earlier?” Such interesting little characters we are and definitely our own worst enemy.
Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment – you always put so much into what you write and I’m extremely grateful and glad for your presence here!
Have a wonderful day Betsy!!
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..Three Frogs Sitting on a Log.
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Sometimes it’s a tough to make the decision, but as I have been asked~ several times~ “Are you going to die?” No, you won’t die! You feel better for making a decision in the first place. If for some reason, your first decision is wrong, try and try again!! It truly does make you feel better to be an active “decision maker”, rather than being one of the frogs sitting on the fence, doing nothing! Thank you Elena, for the post as well as the reminder!
You know what I’m talkin’ about girl! I say take the bull by the horns and roll! You have so much to bring out to this world and we’re waiting!!
I think you’ve made some pretty good decisions over the past year and I’ve seen your confidence and some amazing growth … so keep on making those decisions and loose the fear my friend. (It helps me to say this because I need convincing too! .)
Thank you for reading and commenting Tina! You’re a gem!
I adore you and love you!
Elena
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Well, the first thing I had to decide was whether I was going to respond or not; and then the dilemma now is this the right thing or the wrong thing to do. Here I am so only time will tell as to the wisdom of my choice, huh?
I try to be a take action kind of guy, but of course that is not always the case. And whereas I take nothing for granted, my life is kind of on cruise control. When you have been in a relationship and job for 28+ years you kind of know what is expected. What it does allow are choices. Some might think it is too routine, but trust me, I do plenty of stuff and I know plenty of people. I know how to have fun and that is always high on my list.
If you don’t do anything about your current situation, then don’t complain. Some choice of action is definitely better than no choice at all.
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Hello my friend!
You know Bill there are people I look at in my life and think “I know they have a nice life.” You’re one of them for sure. I admire you on several levels for several reasons. You win me with your humor; however, there’s a peace you give out just through your comments that says “stable” “reliable” “trustworthy” – weird, but I totally sense these about you. So … my point in this … for people like you and those who have lives similar to you, “choices” is an excellent word. I think I wrote this coming from my perspective, which as we know, is far more disjointed than yours. I’m so glad you wrote what you did because it’s a very peaceful comment and makes a ton of sense – I so appreciate it!
You’re a good man Bill and a good friend … thank you!
Wishing you the nicest day!
Blue skies,
Elena
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Thanks for the kind words.
I really have to pinch myself at times because I have soooo many things to be thankful for. I used to be in the mindset of trying to keep up with the Jones’s; but once I stepped back and really started to appreciate what I do have it provided a sense of calmness. Everything else just seemed to take care of itself.
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” isn’t it better to try to do something and fail than to try to do nothing and succeed?” Yes! When I was debating about whether or not to publish my book to Kindle, myself, my father listened and considered what I said. Then he said, “Do it! Get your book out there! Fail fast and write your next book and get that out there too!” Best advice ever!
The largest good feeling I had once I’d click THAT Publish button was this: “I did it!” What a feeling that is!
Lori
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Great, great example here Lori! How true! And how wonderful to have your work out there for all the world … it’s surely a better place because you did this (and so many other things!)!
Thank you for stopping by … it’s so nice to see your lovely face!
Wishing you a fabulous weekend!
Elena
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