When hearing about the path of least resistance, many think it means doing what’s easy. Wrong. That’s the principle of least effort (from your side). The path of least resistance is about learning to dose your energy and use the environment to move forward, without stating that your personal effort will be less or minimal.

By definition, the path of least resistance is the pathway that opposes forward motion the least, vs alternative paths.  From this simple definition, take down two things: forward motion, least opposition. That means you plan to go from A to B (forward motion) and choose the method (path) that helps you advance smoothly in that direction. The path of least resistance doesn’t mean the easiest thing to do. It takes you to your goal with an optimum consumption of energy.

The principle of least effort = laziness

The principle of least effort simply means you’ll take whatever path is easiest. For example, going to the shop on ground floor vs the shop 2 blocks aways is an example of choosing the principle of least effort. Buying with one click vs going to a brick-and-mortar shop is choosing the least effort. The only guaranteed benefit is the time and energy saving. It doesn’t guarantee anything else. This principle is about laziness. You start a journey from A to B, but decide to stop at C because it was easier. You don’t reach your goal.

For this reason, the principle of least effort is often used in marketing. It works great when selling inexpensive goods, that are not worth the struggle of finding an alternative.

Usually, the path of least effort is fast, but takes a toll on quality and budget. The least effort is to stay where you are and not change anything. You cannot evolve by following the principle of least effort.

The path of least resistance, on the other hand, assumes you are taking action and guides you towards which path to take.

When do I oppose the path of least resistance?

When people go to extensive amounts of trouble to follow a path, they usually try to prove themselves to others. Most of them will tell you they struggle so hard because they want to be “the best”. That’s an inferiority complex. People who excel naturally, just do what they like.

Let’s take some examples of OPPOSING the path of least resistance:

• rowing a boat up the river
• struggling to be accepted by a group or among certain people, instead of spending time with those that genuinely appreciate you (this should be an aha! moment)
• struggling to get hired by one specific company, to get confirmation you are valuable…

The path of least resistance is more about swinging rather than opposing. All martial arts teach you how to swing by or move in the direction of the attack, rather than opposing it bluntly. In physics, forces moving in the same direction add up. When two forces oppose, the smaller force is subtracted from the larger force and the winning force will set direction.

A corrupt system cannot be brought down by a single individual, because that would be a small force opposing a bigger one. But when people unite, their forces add up.

Great theory, let’s put it to practice!

Alright, so now that the theory is clear, how do you use all this? First thing you need to have is clarity. What is your purpose? What do you want to achieve? You’re now in point A. Where is point B, the destination you’re trying to reach?

The answer to that question might indeed reveal a way to apply the principle of least effort. If your purpose is to buy bread and that’s all, then the shop downstairs is an excellent option.

If your aim is to become a doctor and you have a natural inclination for dermatology, but you’re struggling like crazy to become a neurosurgeon just to prove you can do it, that’s wrong. The path of least resistance would’ve been to follow your natural inclination. It would’ve helped you to advance smoother towards your goal. That doesn’t make medical school a walk in the park.

Keep your goal in focus.

Don’t struggle to be accepted by certain people or environments. Choose the ones where you are appreciated. How do you know which those are? Look at the facts.

If what you are seeking is recognition and proving you are enough, go to therapy, not up the corporate ladder.

If you have enjoyed reading this or know someone who needs to hear all this, please go ahead and share it with your friends. Thank you!