The path of least resistance runs two ways
The path of least resistance runs two ways.
Going one way, it leads to the land of comfort, where stretch goals and personal growth is stifled.
It leads away from important (but optional) personal and professional obligations that influence our health, careers and relationships.
This part of the path is easy and the traveler feels fine, but is oblivious to the collateral damage that accumulates over time.
Heading the other way, the path is more promising.
This part of the path of least resistance leads to a desired outcome in fewer steps and with less energy spent.
Depending on the circumstances, the way can be discovered or created. Sometimes the most efficient way is obvious, and other times it needs to be built intentionally by removing friction and unnecessary effort.
In both cases, this part of the path encourages a question like, “what would it look like if this were easy?”
The path of least resistance is a force of nature that can hardly be avoided.
If this is true, then how do we ensure we’re heading the right way on the path?
This week, I’m thinking about where the path of least resistance leads in my life.
Here’s how.
Think about where the path of least resistance runs through day-to-day activities. Are there unhelpful shortcuts that make other activities harder? Are there areas receiving more effort than is needed to achieve the same effect?
A mental list will do, and writing it down is better.
A few questions to consider:
What kind of patterns can be found in both the positive and negative shortcuts being taken?
Identify a few recurring shortcuts. What would it look like to take the exact opposite approach? Then think about what’s the smallest possible change to make to start heading in a better direction?
What is one area that has more resistance than it should?
What’s one shortcut that feels helpful in the morning but is a long-term detriment?
What areas should be celebrated because the path of least resistance is being taken? (We don’t celebrate the wins as much as we should.)
Is one end of the path is more important for this week:
Decrease the amount of net-negative shortcuts begin taken? or
Increase the amount of positive shortcuts that can be taken?
Pick 3-5 shortcuts and focus on them for one week.
