The Tale Of Two Paths

The Tale of Two Paths: Which Will You Choose?

By Rich Waterman

I was speaking with a potential coaching client recently about the crossroads they were facing.
They were weighing up their options and like many of us do at key moments, they found themselves standing before two very different paths.

Path One: The Solo Journey

This is the path where you go it alone.
You trust yourself.
You make your own decisions.
You learn through experience—sometimes the hard way.

It can be rewarding, even necessary at times.
But it’s often slower. It can be lonely. And it doesn’t always lead where you expect.

Still, there are moments when this path is right—when listening to your own voice, following your own rhythm, and forging your own way forward is exactly what you need.

Path Two: The Guided Route

This is the path you take with a coach or mentor walking beside you.
It involves investment—of time, energy, and often money.

Naturally, questions come up:

Will I get the result I want?
Is it worth it?
Do I even want what I say I want?
Is this the right time?

Here’s what I’ve noticed: when I’ve chosen this second path, it’s been smoother, faster, and clearer. There are fewer blind corners. I’m supported. I have company.

But even this path doesn’t last forever. Eventually, like all journeys, it leads to another fork in the road—and a new decision.

So Which Path Is Right for You?

That’s the million-pound question.
And there isn’t one right answer.

The solo path often leads to the same results you’ve been getting—at least in the short term. The guided path leads to something different—but only if that difference truly matters to you.

So ask yourself:

How big is the gap between where I am and where I want to be?
What is that gap worth?
Who is the right person to walk with me?
Do I trust them—and do I trust myself enough to commit?

The Real Trap? Standing Still.

There’s no perfect moment to begin.
There’s no guarantee.
But I do believe this: the worst path is indecision.

If you don’t choose your path, it chooses you.
You wander. You drift. You live in what I call the land of maybe.
And I don’t believe you or I belong there.

Make a Powerful Choice

There’s courage in picking a path.
There’s strength in committing and there’s something extraordinary about owning your next step, wherever it leads.

So: which path will you take?

Thanks for reading.
Being Extraordinary with Rich Waterman