What Path are You on?

Path of Least Resistance vs. Path of Greatest Reward

I have a lot of clients come to me looking for a quick fix. People who want a magic wand to solve their problem without any effort on their part. Sometimes this is achievable, as in a phobia shift or something of equal simplicity, while other times it can be a significantly larger issue that does actually take a commitment and dedication on their part.

For example, I work with athletes for performance enhancement. It would be ridiculous to think that a few sessions with me would be a substitute for all the hard work of practice and training that goes into being an elite athlete. The athletes I work with, of course, understand this. They are willing to put in the long hours at the gym, on the field, or on the driving range perfecting their game and pushing their body go get better. I help with the mental aspect of that game. While this is an important component to their success, it is fruitless without their effort and desire to achieve.

A great teacher of mine once told me that the subconscious mind is governed by thought and desire, but it is extremely impressed by effort. I believe this to be true. I’ve seen people tell me their goals and dreams over and over without actually doing anything about them. Benjamin Franklin said, “If you want your dreams to come true, don’t sleep.”

People talk about “The Secret” and believe the power is in positive thinking. Positive thinking is important, and so is goal setting, but there is an important step between goal setting and goal achievement, and that is effort. Many people think that if they are specific about their goals and change nothing within themselves or their actions some outside force will bring them what they want.

You move towards your outcomes, they don’t travel to you. And you decide which outcomes you travel towards based on your actions.

I have a very good friend who is in the film and TV industry in the lighting department. While first getting started and paying his dues he was nearly starving. The little work he got was unrewarding and very grueling, but he stuck with it. He often said out loud, “Plan your work, and work your plan.” He just kept going. He knew what he wanted to do and was willing to do what it took to get there. A few years later he was supervising entire lighting crews. In fact, before the age of 28 he was in charge of the lighting for the number one movie in America and the highest rated TV show of the week at the same time. He did this with no favors, no connections, no help from anyone but himself.

Another person I know has a very different story. He has three degrees from Stanford University, one Bachelors of Arts and two at the Masters level. There is no question that he is a very smart guy. He had decided he wanted to start his own business so that he could be the boss and have the employees do all the work for him. Well, after about 5 months and only $1,500 invested into the business he realized that starting his own company was going to be too much work. He currently lives with his parents.

Too often people simply take what they are given without pushing for what they want. We always have the option to strive for more, for better than what we have. We earn everything we get: Our success and setbacks, or insights and perspectives. We earn our knowledge and our ignorance. We choose our joy and suffering long before we ever experience them.

The path of least resistance and the path of greatest reward are almost always mutually exclusive. Often times there is nothing wrong with taking the easier path, as long as we recognize what we have chosen and what we are therefore earning. Every level and every choice is a success. We are constantly succeeding at what we are actually choosing to do.

So on your next project, in your current job or career, in the product you are making, or the relationships you are establishing, be aware of what you want to achieve. Be aware of what choices and commitments will be required of you to earn the level of success you want.

People who think greatness is easy don’t understand what greatness truly is. The path you choose leaves its mark on you for everyone around you to clearly see. At the end of the day, the greatest reward is knowing that you have committed yourself to quality above all else, that you have chosen to do something better, newer, or different than ever before. Above money, fame, or accolades comes a sense of sincere pride. Only one of the paths can get you there.

One thing I ask my clients to do is to ask themselves the question, “What am I earning right now?” It’s a very powerful question for people who want to earn something other than what they have already experienced. It’s a question that motivates me to work a little longer, to get out of bed, to take the extra step that will make the difference.

So ask yourself at a point of decision in your day or in your life, “Which path am I choosing, and what am I earning right now?” and see what happens.

Have fun with this,
Scott Sandland