“If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength; but wisdom brings success.”
King Solomon
A while ago, I found myself clinging mentally and physically to a path I was sure I needed to stay on. I had committed. I had made progress. And I was determined to achieve my target. Stopping now made me question whether I’d made the wrong call, and honestly, I didn’t want to find out if I had ; -)
The trigger for resolution was unexpected. I’d just woken up from the most vivid dream – the kind that feels real in your body. In the dream, I was trying to cross a giant gulf: climbing, holding ropes, trying not to fall. I had come so far, and even though my arms were burning and one rope was starting to slip, I was determined not to go back. I had put in too much effort to lose the ground I had gained.
But eventually, I slipped. I braced for the worst… and landed on my feet. No drama. No damage. Just relief.
Alas, unknown to me, there was another way to cross all along. One that didn’t require straining. One that didn’t even require holding on.
That dream spoke to me – and perhaps it’s speaking to you too. Here are a few reflections I took from it:
1. There’s rarely only one way forward.
When we’re deep in the grind, we lose sight of the fact that there might be better paths entirely. We get fixated on preserving our current position, no matter how strained, uncomfortable, or frankly, how bad it is. Sometimes, the bravest thing is to ask: Is this still the best way?
2. Sunk costs can be deceptive.
The energy you’re spending to maintain your current position might be better spent finding a better path. Perseverance and fear of starting again can look similar – but they are not the same.
3. Rest brings perspective.
When I finally let go in that dream, I realized I had been straining unnecessarily. I’ve seen this play out in real life, especially with career transitions. Every time I left a job, I worried about losing things I thought were ‘irreplaceable.’ But I often found those same things – or even better versions – in the next place, and usually at a lower ‘cost’.
If you’re barely holding on, don’t press harder. Perhaps it’s time to let go and see what new possibilities appear.
Yours in possibility,
TKO
P.S. Ever been here? I’d love to hear what letting go made possible for you. Your story might help someone else find their way.