Effort Made Easy
Mastering the Art of Effort Without the Sweat.
Effort and hard work are often used interchangeably in our daily conversations, however branding them under the same umbrella makes effort seem tiresome and ultimately too hard to do consistently. By reframing effort as a series of manageable, thoughtful actions makes the idea of putting in ‘effort’ more accessible and less daunting. This shift in perspective allows individuals, especially during their formative stages, to see effort not as a Herculean task, but as a series of achievable steps that can be integrated into daily life.
Effort vs. Hard Work: Cousins, Not Siblings
Effort and hard work are related, but are not directly linked. Think of effort and hand work's relationship like the second cousin you see every Christmas at the family get together, rather than a sibling you see every day.
Hard work is the loud cousin who takes on everything, the one who insists on organising every detail, managing every aspect of the event, and doing the heaviest lifting. They arrive 3 hours before the agreed start time and is always on the move, trying to ensure that everything is perfect and often refusing to delegate tasks. Due to their desire to succeed and impress they are also normally asleep on the lounge room floor by two o’clock in the afternoon. Expecting individuals to work at a constant high-intensity, while admirable, is not sustainable and leads to burnout and a decrease in overall well-being and satisfaction.
Effort on the other hand, is the cousin that is the quiet achiever. This cousin is just as committed to making the gathering a success as the hard work cousin, but chooses a different path. They make considerate, thoughtful choices, helping others and contributing to the overall harmony of the event without overextending themselves. This cousin might be the one who spends time listening to a family member who needs to talk, helps set the table, or quietly cleans up, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Their actions may not be as immediately noticeable as the hard work of the other cousin, but they're just as important.
Small Steps, Big Impact: A Sustainable Approach to Effort
Applying effort should feel sustainable, marked by a series of small, meaningful actions that collectively make a significant impact.
Redefining Effort: It's Not Just Hard Work
While hard work is often celebrated and more visible, it leads to burnout if not balanced with rest and self-care. Effort, in contrast, embodies a more balanced approach, focusing on the significance of smaller, consistent, and sustainable actions that collectively create a positive impact. Detaching the idea that effort requires hard work will develop a culture where individuals are valued for the small everyday actions like recycling a bottle instead of throwing it in the trash, refilling the printer paper when it’s empty, wiping down the lunch table and putting craft resources away. It not only makes putting in effort achievable, it’s also great for everyone’s mental health.
