I hate to break it to you but some things in life are black and white. I'd even go so far as to say that the most important things are. Some choices for example. Depending on your value system, giving money to the poor is either a good of a bad thing to do. Or if you're trying to lose weight, some diet choices are either good or bad. Or if you need to get things done, you either should or shouldn't sleep in. It is one or the other, but never both.
It is like Dumbledore said in the fourth Harry Potter movie: soon we must face the choice between what is right and what is easy. And while he was talking about choosing sides - with or against Voldemort - I'm sure you understand the parallel in our world.
The war against Voldemort is one that takes place inside you.
So whatever you're struggling with in your personal development project, be it weight loss or getting things done or waking up early or living with other principles and disciplines, certain words or deeds are either with or against Voldemort; either easy or right. Certain actions hinder your process, and certain actions advance it. Some actions help you reach your goals, and some stop you from reaching it. It's as if you had a grindylow and a hippogriff battling in your head - you need to realize that the one you feed will win.
Doing the right thing is hard, but that is exactly the point: since the choice is between right and easy, the right choice has to be hard by default. But it is the right choice. And right, not easy, is the one that gives you a peace of mind, along with self-respect, meaning, happiness, and a good night's sleep.
If you ever consider giving the food to the grindylow, recreate Dumbledore's voice in your head.
Choose right over easy.
RK
