Many people try to avoid difficult situations by taking the easy way out.  The reason is that the easy way out appears to involve less effort, less hassle and less stress.  While that may be true, taking the easy way has some very costly consequences:  First of all, there’s no payoff.  Taking the easy way out is like betting on a horse to show that’s guaranteed to win.  Yes, you do get your money back, but you’re no better off after the experience than you were before.  Second, and most important, you don’t learn anything by taking the easy way out.  This means that you’re no smarter after the experience than you were before.  So, the next time you’re faced with a difficult situation, confront it head on.  You’ll learn a great deal which will make your confrontation with a similar situation in the future much easier.  And, the payoff for doing so might just surprise you.