The Way Up and the Way Down Are the Same

“We’re always one decision away from everything getting better or worse.” — this is something I tell myself whenever I’ve got a big decision to make. A gentle reminder to think things through.

I have witnessed and suffered the effects of bad decisions in my family and I know how it can affect the emotional, physical, and financial status of an individual and their loved ones.

The life we live, is the collective outcome of all the decisions we’ve made in the past, and the decisions we’re going to make in our future.

Heraclitus, a famous Greek philosopher, once said:

“The way up and the way down are the same”

It makes sense. Even if we’re on the right path, our decision about which way to go defines our success and failure.

Does this mean being thoughtful and deliberate with each choice ensures success? Not necessarily. We can’t control every variable that impacts outcomes. However, by carefully mapping our decisions, we maximize control over the things within our influence.