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1) I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the…

“1) I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk I fall in. I am lost... I am hopeless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. 2) I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I'm in the…” quote by Portia Nelson
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““1) I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk I fall in. I am lost... I am hopeless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. 2) I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I'm in the same place. But it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out. 3) I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in...it's a habit My eyes are open; I know where I am; It is my fault. I get out immediately. 4) I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. 5) I walk down another street.””

Portia Nelson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Repeatedly ignoring a problem leads to habit; recognizing and confronting it allows immediate resolution, while avoidance perpetuates suffering.

In simple terms: Seeing problems lets you fix them quickly.

Key Takeaway

Identify and address issues directly.

Themes

self‑awareness habit problem solving personal growth mindfulness

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

self‑help psychology inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily routines
  • mental health
  • career obstacles
  • relationship issues

Key Concepts

habit formation cognitive bias behavioral change

Questions to Reflect On

  • What habits keep you stuck?
  • How can awareness change outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Avoidance sustains pain.

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