Last year, I visited South Africa with one of my Barcelona friends and we did the infamous hike up Lions Head in Cape Town. 

At one point, you reach a steep rock and you need to climb up holding onto chains or if that’s too intense, there is a ladder to use.

I went to the chains, my friend went to the ladder. 

I said: “No, we must go with the chains!”

He replied: “Why, the ladder is easier?!” 

I responded: “Exactly, that’s why we need to take the chains!”

We took the chains.

Later that day, I heard him talking to a friend telling him we climbed a steep mountain and had to go up holding onto chains.

It made me reflect about the decisions we take in life.

The easy stuff, is quickly forgotten.

The hard stuff, is what gives us growth and makes the journey memorable.

It’s easy to stay in a comfortable job, it’s difficult to start your own business. 

It’s easy to stay in an unhealthy relationship, it’s difficult to go through a breakup. 

It’s easy to do the exercise you always do, it’s difficult to challenge yourself to do something new.

But the easy stuff is our default.

It takes effort and a conscious choice to do the hard things when there are easier alternatives.

Moving to a new country 2 years ago, was one of the most difficult decisions I ever made.

Ending an 8 year relationship, was one of the most difficult decisions I ever made.

The journey was hard and rough, I cried from loneliness, screamed from frustration. It was messy.

But it also forced me to learn a new language, to make new friends, to find purpose.

I’m starting to look back now and I realise it might have been the best decisions I ever made.

What will it be in your life, the ladder or the chains?

Choose the chains!