The Story: The Criminal, the King, and the Door to Freedom
A man once committed a crime and was brought before a king.
The king gave him a choice:
“You can be hanged with this rope…
Or you can walk through that big, dark, scary iron door.”
The man didn’t think much. The door looked terrifying.
He chose the rope.
As the noose was being prepared, he looked at the king and asked:
“Just curious… what’s behind that door?”
The king smiled.
“Funny thing—everyone gets the same choice, and almost all pick the rope.”
The man asked again, “But what’s really behind it?”
The king replied:
“Freedom. But people fear the unknown so much, they choose what they know—even if it means pain or death.”
???? Moral of the Story
People often choose familiar suffering over unfamiliar possibilities. We fear the unknown more than certain failure, even when the unknown might lead to freedom, growth, or a better life.
“Don’t try to change the circumstances of your life, try to change the psychology. Try to change your attitudes towards life, don’t try to change the outer situation. Use the outer situation and change the inner state.”: Unknown
???? Sound Familiar?
Have you ever…
- Thought about trying something new… but backed out?
- Wanted to give an exam, take up a challenge, speak on stage… but didn’t?
- Told yourself “It’s not for me” or “I’ll fail anyway”?
You’re not alone.
Most of us face these moments. And like the man in the story, we choose the “rope” of comfort, doubt, and excuses.
???? Why Do We Back Out?
Because…
- We fear failure.
- We compare ourselves to others.
- We believe someone else is better, smarter, faster.
- We think it’s too late, too hard, or already done.
- We convince ourselves: “Not everything is for everyone.”
But here’s the twist…
???? If your friend or child were in your shoes, you’d say:
- “At least try! You’ll regret it later if you don’t.”
- “Failing is fine—it’s part of learning.”
- “Don’t compare. Just be better than yesterday.”
So why don’t we say the same things to ourselves?
???? The Real Question: Will You Show Up?
It doesn’t matter if it’s…
- A competitive exam
- A new job
- A business idea
- Public speaking
- Running a marathon
The key is not to guarantee success.
The key is to show up, again and again.
Vulnerability is about showing up and being seen. It’s tough to do that when we’re terrified about what people might see or think. : Brene Brown
???? 3 Powerful Ways to Always Show Up
- Know Your WHY
When doubt creeps in, ask:
“Why did I start?”
“What am I doing this for?”
Clarity of purpose gives strength in tough times.
- Build Systems, Not Just Goals
(James Clear, Atomic Habits)
Want to speak better? Join a community like Toastmasters.
Want to write better? Set a routine—write daily.
Want to get fit? Pick a consistent time and stick with it.
Don’t just aim. Create a system that pulls you forward.
- Be Your Own Benchmark
There will always be someone better. That’s okay.
Your only competition is yesterday’s you.
Track your journey:
- Where were you
- Where are you
- Where you’re heading
Focus on progress, not perfection.
???? Final Thought
The door might look scary. The room might be dark. The road might feel uncertain.
But walk through it anyway.
Because on the other side could be your freedom, growth, and success.
And all it takes is the courage to show up.
“Whatsoever you believe becomes effective, you see only that which you are looking for.”: Osho