The path of least resistance is what makes rivers run crooked

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Barry

“The path of least resistance is what makes rivers run crooked.”

—Elbert Hubbard, 19th Century American writer and philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Wynand Uys

Looking for short cuts and taking the easy route to success is a common trait in our fast-paced world. I find it quite humorous that when I go to my health club each morning, people are competing for the parking spot closest to the entrance to eliminate a twenty-second walk before their one-hour workout.

It is actually this resistance and the level of challenge in our workouts and in life that supports the greatest growth and achievement toward our personal and professional objectives.

EXERCISE:

Where would Taking the Stairs, Eating That Frog, and a bit more Grit help you move directly toward one of your most important goals? Consider reading one or all of these books.

In The Long Run a Shortcut Never Is

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Barry

“In the long run, a short cut seldom is.”

—Malcolm Forbes, Founder of Forbes Magazine

Image from wordher

In the never-ending battle between efficiency and effectiveness, the shorter “Road to Hell” may be paved with good intentions, but often results in unexpected problems.

I’m not referring to organizational initiatives such as Six Sigma or Lean, but to more common, daily occurrences, such as handling e-mail.

How often do you overlook or delete emails with the intent of greater speed, efficiency, and overall productivity, then have them come back to haunt you?

How often have you sent an important message to a client, colleague, or your boss, with one or more significant spelling or grammatical errors, and wish you could have a “do-over”?

EXERCISE:

Where and on what issues is it the wise call to slow down and not take a short cut, to assure the result you desire?

#109: “There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.”

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Barry

– Beverly Sills, opera singer

I tend to believe in the quote by Gary Player, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

Look at how we celebrate the great achievements of individuals and groups in sports and business: these people have put in the work to reach places worth going. How do you get to Carnegie hall? Practice, practice, practice.

Exercise:

Where do you intend to go in this world that will make the journey worth all the effort?

What will be your long and winding road to success that will be worth the trip?

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