Somebody told me this phrase today as they were talking about a vendor they used at their dealership. They were referencing getting ready to make a switch from the current vendor, which they felt was subpar to a new vendor that was more robust and capable. They said the phrase by Mark Twain was it’s “Always Easier to Stay Than Go.” This saying was something I had never heard before and thought was a great parallel for my life.

There are decisions that are easy to make, as sometimes the path of least resistance is the route most people take because it is always easier to stay status quo than to rock the boat. That, unfortunately, has never been my style. Sometimes, I tend to jump too quickly and make snap decisions on the fly when I should really have stayed a few minutes longer and thoroughly thought through a plan of action a little better. But for myself, I simply cannot stand those who are slow to make a decision and never seem to take any action to solve a problem or make something happen.

I also think that this phrase defines where I have gotten in business and in life because it sure is easier to stay. And by stay, I mean stay in the comforts of a nice office and easier work schedule rather than getting out on the pavement and busting your ass to try and get ahead. The road (or going) isn’t easy, and it’s always a hard thing to do in leaving your comforts – and especially your family – behind you to go out and deal with a tough world. But, it simply is just part of my DNA. Maybe it’s because I have a hard time standing still and always like to be in motion, or maybe it’s because I love what I do. But regardless, I seem to always choose the harder option between staying and going. I am on-the-go a lot.

Everybody has the things in life that form who they are and what makes them as a person. Oddly enough, I have never heard this quote until today, but it seemed to be very fitting and will be something I say to myself many times again in the coming years.