Convenience

The allure of convenience can be dangerously deceptive, often preventing us from engaging in essential tasks.

It is far too easy to agree when we truly wish to decline, to choose comfort instead of facing a tougher route, or to persist in our errors rather than confronting our mistakes and accepting the associated losses. The temptation to ignore our inner voice when society beckons us toward the familiar can be overwhelming. After a long day, sinking into relaxation often feels more appealing than mustering the energy to acquire new skills or focus on a side project. This inclination is not merely laziness; it's our mind's instinct to conserve energy.

Our brains are wired to prefer the familiar, and convenience becomes their default reaction rather than a conscious decision. Nevertheless, this inclination can significantly impede our progress toward our aspirations.

Timidity

The second barrier we face is timidity, or a lack of boldness. For many, the audacity required to take risks is not innate but rather shaped by upbringing and cultural influences. Often, we are conditioned to embody humility, avoiding boasting or appearing overly confident—a mindset that can lead to self-denial.

As time progresses, timidity takes root. It often seems like the more socially acceptable and polite behavior, rendering us invisible. This behavior serves to evade uncomfortable situations, such as conflict or disappointment, whether to ourselves or others.

Yet, rather than shielding us from the fears tied to taking bold actions, timidity can push us into a downward spiral.

“Your fears of the consequences of a bold action are way out of proportion to reality and in fact the consequences of timidity are worse. Your value is lowered and you create a self-fulfilling cycle of doubt and disaster.”

— Robert Greene, The Daily Laws

The renowned playwright Goethe captures this struggle perfectly in a monologue, merging the concepts of convenience and timidity. He urges us to embrace audacity and action as a remedy for stagnation.

Come, come, no more delay, no more excuses,

The stuff we ask you for, at once produce us.

Lose this day loitering — ’twill be the same story

To-morrow—and the next more dilatory;

Then indecision brings its own delays,

And days are lost lamenting o’er lost days.

Are you in earnest? seize this very minute—

What you can do, or dream you can, begin it,

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it,

Only engage, and then the mind grows heated —

Begin it, and the work will be completed!

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust (as translated by John Anster)