There's a ditch on my way to the running path. If I hesitate ever so slightly before skipping over it, chances are I'll trip and fall or at least will have some difficulties staying on my feet. If I go there without a second thought as if it was the most natural thing in the world, I'll pass it without a problem. It's really a case where hesitation is the only thing that kills the deal. It's kind of a metaphor for life.
Sounds like Kirk in Generations.