We often hear that having options is a sign of freedom. But what if I told you that having too many options is the very thing that’s holding you back from becoming your strongest, most resilient self?
Let me explain.
The Gym Tenant & The Leaking Wall
I’ve rented out one of my properties to a man who runs a gym. Recently, due to heavy rains in the city, water started leaking through the walls of the hall. Within minutes, he sent me videos and photos on WhatsApp, complaining about the mess.
Ironically, the exact same problem happened at my own residence. The walls in two of my rooms leaked, and rainwater created a mess. But unlike my tenant, I had no one to complain to. I couldn’t send photos to a landlord because I am the owner.
So what did I do?
I took responsibility. I looked for a solution.
You see, when you don’t have an option to complain, you instinctively begin to solve. But when you do have the option of offloading responsibility—like my tenant—you choose that instead.
And this is not just about property maintenance. It’s a profound metaphor for life.
Why Options Can Paralyze You
Let’s talk relationships.
In communities where divorce is frowned upon or not easily accepted, couples often choose to adjust, compromise, and resolve issues. Why? Because they don’t see leaving as an option.
Compare that with societies where separation is easy and casual. The first sign of a problem? People walk away. They don’t try to fix anything. Why should they? There’s always another option.
This doesn’t mean staying in a toxic situation is wise. But it does mean that options can create escape routes—and escape routes reduce accountability and personal growth.
The Parent Trap: Helping Your Kids Too Much
Ever noticed that kids who are always helped with dressing, tying shoes, or packing their bags rarely learn to do it on their own?
Why would they?
They have the easier option of running to you for help. Only when you make it clear that they have no other choice do they begin to learn, struggle, and eventually succeed.
Too many options = too little effort.
Burning the Bridges – The True Path to Growth
There’s a reason behind the phrase “burn your boats” or “burn your bridges.” It’s about removing the safety net.
When you eliminate the fallback plan, you go all in.
In my college days, a friend who came to a new city with me to study became homesick and wanted to return. When he called his elder brother, he was told bluntly: “Coming home is not an option anymore.”
It sounded harsh—but it changed his life.
That one refusal forced him to adapt. He stayed. He studied. He eventually landed a high-paying job and built a better life—all because he had no choice but to move forward.
The Hidden Power of Not Having Options
People from underprivileged backgrounds often crack the toughest exams. Why? Because they know they have no Plan B. They must succeed. There’s no safety net, no fallback, no easier road.
When you have no way out, you stop looking for one.
You stop escaping and start enduring.
You stop complaining and start solving.
You stop thinking “what if I fail” and start thinking “how can I succeed.”
Final Thought: Remove the Exit Door
If you want to achieve something significant in life—whether in relationships, business, health, or self-growth—burn the bridges behind you.
Tell yourself:
- I will not quit.
- I will not outsource my responsibility.
- I will not complain.
- I will find the solution.
- I will grow stronger in the process.
Because the truth is—you grow when there’s no turning back.
📚 Recommended Reading:
- Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins – A real-life example of pushing past all excuses.
- The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday – A timeless reminder that challenges are the path, not the detour.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – For those who want to build self-discipline over a lifetime.
- Deep Work by Cal Newport – Learn how removing distractions (and options) leads to mastery.
🧠 Want to master emotional intelligence, dating, and self-control as a man?
📖 Get your hands on my latest book:
👉 Decoded: What She Wants, What She Shows & What She’ll Never Say – Now available at a special price on manishgoswami.com.
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Remember:
You don’t rise to your goals.
You fall to your systems.
And systems work when you stop relying on options.
So burn the bridges. Face the fire. Own the growth.
Because this time… going back is not an option.
