Stick #74: Caught in a Dilemma (Unfavorable)

进退维谷两为难,原地不动亦不安。择一方向坚定行,犹豫最是误时间。

Plain reading

Forward is hard and retreat is hard — standing still brings no peace either. Choose one direction and walk firmly; hesitation wastes the most time.

Interpretation

This is an unfavorable lot titled "Caught in a Dilemma." Advance is hard, retreat is hard, and standing still is uneasy. "Choose one direction and walk; hesitation wastes time" shows weigh two harms, take the lighter, then move — better than endless wavering.

Advice

List three consequences of advancing and three of retreating; choose what you can bear, then stop revisiting. Set a period — seven days, for example — during which you only execute.

From the Book of Songs, "Gu Feng": "Advance and retreat are both ravines — who says you alone suffer?" — even ancients in dilemma had to choose; decision itself is exit.

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