What Is The Principle Of The Path Of Least Resistance?

The principle of the path of least resistance is about a truth that almost everyone knows by common sense. It says that when something can be done in different ways, the one who uses the least energy is always the best. Why? Because it is more efficient, which leads us to the same result with less effort.

Resistance gives greater value, both objectively and subjectively, to projects. A valuable stone has more value because it is smaller and therefore it is necessary to do more work to find it. An achieved goal is valued more when it comes to overcoming major obstacles. So in principle we can say that we agree that resistance is a positive and commendable value.

Now, greater resistance does not always generate better results. We can do math by hand. Add, subtract and perform all operations manually. But we can do the same thing on a computer in much less time and with less error. So the amount of effort invested is not proportional to the results achieved. In fact, in the first case, we are wasting energy.

The principle of the path of least resistance does not try to eliminate difficulties, nor does it encourage us to choose only simple tasks. The focus is rather on finding ways to reduce the effort needed to achieve a goal. Let’s take a closer look at this.

Obstacles and the principle of the path of least resistance

The principle of the path of least resistance is about surrendering control and letting everything flow. Some may think it’s too relaxed or carefree, but it’s not. It is one thing to look for the easiest way, and another to be negligent or irresponsible.

The problem is to take a new position in the face of obstacles. There are difficulties. We find them in almost all daily tasks. Sometimes we make great efforts, and despite this, things do not go as we expect. We feel overwhelmed by everything we have to do, and it is increasingly difficult for us to find the willpower to achieve it.

An obsessive attitude towards work easily leads to stress and then to blockage. That is when we fight between our total resistance to keep working and the duty to do so. There is so much emotional energy that we use in the fight that it destroys all our energy, and it still does not give us the best results.

From there, it’s just one step away from constant frustration. What we do is not in proportion to what we achieve. We struggle a lot with trying to focus on work commitments and end up getting bored. Nevertheless, we must fulfill our duty. This is when the principle of the path of least resistance becomes valid: productivity does not depend on the amount of energy we invest, but on the clarity and inspiration that governs our actions.

2. Inspiration and productivity

The principle of the path of least resistance says that simple things are good in the first place. It also says that less is more and that “good” is enough. In other words, the simplest roads, which require less effort, are the best. In the same way, there are occasions when less perfectionism can lead us to achieve better results.

There are many ways to do things, but we are not always aware of this. Sometimes we are not even aware of the method we use. Maybe we do things that we have seen others do, or that someone has told us to do. But have we stopped to think about whether this is really the best way to reach our goal?

The principle of the path of least resistance says that if you feel overwhelmed, blocked or tired of an activity, just do not continue it. Your body and your mind scream at you to stop. You get to the point where you just perform the task mechanically and you pay the price. By standing still, doing nothing, or taking a break, you can change your mindset.

It’s time to do something that recharges your energy. Something rewarding that allows you to find a different perspective. What follows for you then is to reflect on how you meet your obligations. Is there an easier way to meet them? Are there unnecessary steps that you can delete? Think of five different ways to do the same thing. Consider it. Ask questions about it. Let your creativity flow. Let the inspiration come, and you will see how you think of better and above all simpler methods.

3. Your mind must find a way to flow

We agree that floating tanks are more efficient and save a lot of work. What we often do not know is the way to make our minds flow. According to the principle of the path of least resistance, we must meet five conditions for this to happen. They are as follows:

• Work on complaining less and not blaming others.
• Do not try to change a situation for no reason. Accept it and try to understand it.
• Try to observe your problem as if you were a stranger.
• Open your mind and be willing to take new options and new paths.
• Work to find new answers and solutions, until you see one that really motivates you to act.

Our stubborn resistance to accepting situations only blocks our flow. Complaining, blaming others and denying reality are forms of resistance. When you overcome your refusal to change your mindset, you take a crucial step your mind needs to flow. This helps us to find inspiration, with all its creative power.

4. The most important thing: enjoy yourself

When we enjoy what we do, we usually get better results. That is obvious. We put more effort into what catches our attention and interest. It is a pleasure to dedicate ourselves to it. Time flies and we have no problem making an extra effort because everything is better. We’re floating.

Is it really a way for us to enjoy our obligations? We can make any activity a breeze. Let’s assume that what we need to do is something boring and mechanical, like registering 500 boring records into a database. What if we try to compete with ourselves? We can measure our time to complete it and compete with our previous records.

Science says that one way to help us do tedious tasks is to work on them for 20 minutes. So take a break. And then repeat the cycle. Have you tried this? Do it and you will see how to make minor mistakes.

In conclusion: be flexible

Initiating the principle of the path of least resistance to get the greatest return requires intelligence. Many of our activities are designed so that we just try to do them as quickly as possible. We rarely ask if routine procedures that give good results can have a more effective alternative.

Some of our “expensive” routines that cost us the most energy turn into a kind of straitjacket. Not only do they condition our actions, most importantly, they condition our thinking. Without realizing it, we end up living in rigid thoughts where we feel trapped. This is where the principle of the path of least resistance can help us choose more constructive and effective ways.

The valuable thing about this perspective is that it focuses on creativity and enjoyment. We can also introduce habits that encourage us to be more imaginative and to think more about our own well-being. Choosing the simplest route makes us better and allows us to achieve more remarkable results.