Our mind is very clever and tricky. On one hand, it wants the benefits and successes in life, and yet on the other hand it wants to do what it feels like, giving in to temptations and taking the easy way in life. It makes us believe that somehow we will get want we want without really doing things which we ought to. But the simple fact of life is we can’t have it both ways.

We can’t be indisciplined about our eating habits, keep giving into that extra hour of sleep in the morning, keep compromising on our regular exercise routine, and yet want to be in perfectly good health full of energy.

We can’t be inflexible in a relationship, strongly asserting our point of view most of the times, unwilling to let go and create space for the other person, and yet expect a completely harmonious relationship without strain.

We can’t be wanting to be the centre of attention all the time, overly sensitive to anything said to us, and yet expect to build many strong lifetime bonds.

We can’t expect to be available to others only at our convenience and only when we feel like it, and yet expect others to make us their priority in our hour of need.

Sometimes the road to our success may be trying and testing. We can’t expect to put in half-hearted effort, and yet expect to get the results we see others achieving through their dedication and determination.

We can’t be inconsistent in our behaviour, unpredictable because of our moods and yet expect to inspire people and effectively lead teams.

We can’t expect to take the easy way in the short term, not be diligent about doing things well upfront, and yet expect that the problems won’t catch up with us in the long term.

The crossroad of taking the easy path or the right path often presents itself to us. We want to go down the easy, comfortable and tempting path and yet want to reach the destination of the right path. The fact is we can’t have it both ways.

(Picture-The clocks in the city centre in Prague)