There are people who have a problem with every solution. Their favorite phrase is, “It’s not that easy.” They are pessimistic, seeing only the negative aspects of situations and unable to accept positive aspects, even when they are right in front of them. They even get annoyed when you try to help them and offer a possible solution.
These people dismiss any effort you’ve made by saying, “It’s not that easy.” And with that phrase, they’re also saying that you don’t really know or understand them, so it would be better if you didn’t give your opinion. They’re also saying that they’re not ready to change yet and that their complaints are purely cathartic because they don’t really want to resolve anything.
However, the truth is that life is as easy or as complicated as you make it. It’s true that we are all unique and that each person experiences different circumstances, but the real limits lie in our minds: our beliefs, preconceived ideas, and habits are the main obstacles to moving forward.
The elephant who was unaware of his strength
Once upon a time, there was a huge elephant who performed at the circus every night, displaying his incredible strength. However, after the performance, he remained tied to a small stake driven into the ground by a chain that imprisoned one of his legs. Curiously, the stake was just a tiny piece of wood buried a few inches in the ground. Although the chain was thick, it was obvious that an animal capable of uprooting a tree with its strength could easily free itself from that stake and flee. Why didn’t it?
The elephant remained in the circus because he had been tied to a similar stake since he was a child. At that time, he struggled with all his might to get free, day after day, but he couldn’t because the stake and chain were much stronger than he was. So, he finally gave up.
And once he was big and strong, he still thought he couldn’t escape. He never questioned that memory again, and he hasn’t tested his strength again. So he still thinks escape isn’t so easy.
Like the elephant, many people think they’re being objective when they say it’s not that easy. They think others are too positive, naive, or don’t know them well enough. However, they’re actually too emotionally involved in the situation and unable to consider other alternatives or think clearly.
In reality, life is simple; it’s we who complicate it, sometimes too much and without even realizing it. In fact, there are people who manage to change their lives, leave everything behind, and look to the future, while others in the same situation remain tied to an existence that doesn’t satisfy them, simply because they believe it’s not that easy, because they’ve given up before putting up a fight.
What’s behind thinking it’s not that easy?
– A great fear. In reality, this phrase hides a great fear; it’s an excuse for not having to do anything and maintaining the status quo. It also conceals a resistance to change. In reality, this person isn’t yet ready to take the decisive step, so they delude themselves into thinking that this solution isn’t tailored to them and won’t work. And the worst part is that they haven’t even considered it because fear has prevented them from doing so; they’ve simply rejected it, like a person with arachnophobia might escape spiders without thinking.
– A defeatist attitude. With this phrase, the person is saying that since the path is so complicated, perhaps it’s better not to take it. It’s as if they’ve analyzed the sacrifice/benefit ratio and concluded it’s not worth it. Except they never actually considered the solution, because they took it on with a defeatist attitude, giving up before they even began. Obviously, no one doubts that big changes aren’t easy, but that shouldn’t be an excuse for not taking the first step. Remember that the first step doesn’t get you where you want to go, but it gets you out of where you are.
– An overly self-centered view. Everyone considers themselves unique and special, and in some ways we all are. However, we are also very similar to everyone else; the situations we are experiencing are not very different from those that other people in other parts of the world have had to face or are facing. In fact, there are those who have experienced worse situations and have found the strength to change or leave everything behind, while others simply continue to think it’s not that easy and remain anchored to a situation that slowly wears them down. Remember that, in the end, it’s all a matter of perspective.
– Not being willing to give up certain things. In recent decades, society has conveyed a misconception, leading us to believe that we can have everything without giving up anything and with minimal effort. This idea has taken root in the minds of many people, who are terrified by the prospect of having to give up certain things. That’s why they prefer to say it’s not easy, because they think giving up is synonymous with losing or failing. However, to move forward, you always have to leave something behind.
How to free yourself from that idea?
1. Be truly willing to change. At first glance, it may seem contradictory, but some people have a habit of constant complaining about everything, just for the pleasure of complaining, to assume a victim attitude, but in reality, they don’t intend to solve anything. Therefore, if you often say things like “it’s not that easy” when faced with any proposal, it’s because, deep down, you’re not yet ready to take the plunge. You’re resisting moving because something still holds you tight enough, even though you may not know what it is.
2. Stop thinking in terms of loss. To move forward, you have to leave things behind, things that may be important but you can’t take with you. Those things you let go of are what allow you to grow. In fact, you must start thinking of life as a journey; you can’t carry everything in your backpack because the weight will exhaust you and prevent you from reaching the end. You must choose wisely the things you truly need and get rid of the things that are dead weight.
3. Accept difficulties as challenges. To achieve great things, you must make sacrifices and put in effort. There will be obstacles along the way, but it is precisely these barriers that will allow you to grow. In fact, remember that we don’t mature with age, but with damage. Learn to accept these obstacles as challenges, as opportunities for growth.
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