Take the path of some resistance? That sounds like bad advice. Any advice misunderstood can turn out badly for the taker, so let me explain:
When we take the path of least resistance, we develop no muscle or moxie. Things work out easily but the process doesn’t make us better.
The path of some resistance recognizes that more difficult paths develop stamina and skill. And if you’ve done much hiking, you know that some of the best views are seen from the end of the most challenging trails.
Paths of some resistance include telling someone what they need to hear rather than what they’ll want to hear. It can mean choosing to do something that requires physical exertion over letting a machine do the work.
And it almost always means going beyond ourselves to be of service to others. The path of least resistance says that the “system” can help those that need it. The path of some resistance doesn’t mean that we can help everyone but it acknowledges the tragedy of helping no one.
Consider the paths you choose and consider choosing a few with some resistance.
Brilliant
I really like the way you have explained “No Pain, No Gain.” Yes, a path strewn with a few thorns helps us to keep our Mojo intact and also teaches us to be better human beings. While all of us cannot be Mother Teresa, we can at least try by developing some empathy? And like the Mother said: “God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try”.
“Paths of some resistance include telling someone what they need to hear rather than what they’ll want to hear.” This is worth reflecting on… Thanks!
Thanks and regards,
Geetha
Fascinating. A good friend of mine Joel Barker, taught me that people are positively biased. Enduring a little resistance may be the best thing that could happen to you … and save you a ton of money, time and grief.
Let me explain. When people list out 4 or 5 paths to take, they tend to focus on those with the least barriers or the ones that seem the most positive. They concentrate on the 1st order i.e., the immediate outcome.
By failing to explore the future cascade of consequences – we risk facing a major negative.
Think about a path you have taken – did you encounter a problem never contemplated? Was it a positive or negative outcome? If negative, would you have followed this path if you knew it could happen at the outset?
Joel would encourage you to explore the cascading consequences of all options – at least 3 implications out. He’d encourage you to leverage the wisdom of crowds when you do it – experts can be blinkered, encourage diversity.
The best path to success often starts with a struggle. If you can persevere through those negative first steps, great opportunities and rewards often await.