In the movie The Matrix, Morpheus tells Neo that there’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path. Knowing and doing are two totally different concepts. Knowing is passive and doing is active. Walking the path allows us grow by facing challenges and struggles along the way. It builds character. Knowing the path is more theoretical.
Often times, intellectually, we know what the right path for us is. We think about it, envision it and we know what we need to do. Yet we fail to execute it. It’s much harder to walk the path simply because it takes discipline and consistent effort. And it’s hard. It’s hard to stick to a healthy diet around the holidays or at a celebration. It’s hard to get up every morning and workout when we just want to sleep in.
When it comes to knowing what we need to do or how we can reach our goals, knowledge is an important factor. But there’s one thing that is even more important – and that is experience. Experience is what allows us to fine tune what is really going to work for us and what is going to help us get to where we want to be. It’s our best teacher because we learn through trial and error what works and what doesn’t work. Abstract knowledge will only get us so far.
Do you know the path, or are you walking the path?
