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“Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now” – Neal A. Maxwell

We make choices everyday. A lot of the time we’re choosing between short-term discomfort or long-term misery.

Do you invest some time and effort into making a healthy dinner? Or do you just get some pizza delivered?

Do you go workout even though you don’t feel like it? Or do you decide to skip today’s workout?

Do you use your free time to pursue a hobby or work on an important side project? Or do you decide to check social media, read news headlines and watch some TV?

Do you ask your boss for a raise? Or do you decide to “play it safe” and avoid the risk of rejection?

Do you go back to college as an adult to pursue a new degree? Or do you stick with your current unsatisfying career?

Do you sign up for that hiking trip? Or do you worry that it’ll be exhausting and decide to put it off?

Do you make that edgy joke? Or do you worry that someone might find it offensive?

Do you end that unsatisfying relationship? Or do you stick with it because it’s easy and familiar? Or because meeting someone new is a lot of work?

Do you speak your mind? Or do you filter yourself depending on the environment you’re in?

Do you invest your time and resources into reading, learning and growing? Or do you distract yourself with mindless entertainment?

Do you ask for help? Or do you let your pride get in the way?

Do you voice your unpopular beliefs? Or do you keep quiet and follow the crowd?

Do you own your mistakes and make changes? Or do you blame everyone else for your problems?

Do you try to do great things? Or do you opt for an easy life? And maybe criticize anyone else who tries and fails?

The choice is yours. You can choose to be a little uncomfortable today knowing that it’ll lead to a satisfying life. An exciting life. A life with no regrets. A life worth living.

Or you can choose a life of ease and convenience. But in 5, 10 or 20 years from now you’ll feel unsatisfied. You’ll wish you could go back in time and make different choices. But it’ll be too late. And the feeling of misery will set in.