Summary

The article suggests that effort is not always proportional to success and that sometimes, simply taking action without overexertion can lead to better outcomes.

Abstract

The article "Effort’s Overrated: Stop Trying, and Just Do It" challenges the common belief that success is primarily the result of intense effort. It posits that trying too hard can sometimes be counterproductive, especially in areas like creativity where pressure can stifle flow. The author, through various quotes and personal observations, argues that success is multifaceted and cannot be attributed solely to hard work. Factors such as luck, strategy, talent, contacts, and timing also play significant roles. The article encourages readers to embrace a more relaxed approach to tasks and goals, suggesting that sometimes, less effort and more allowing can lead to better results. It also emphasizes the importance of taking action rather than just trying, as action is what ultimately leads to the accomplishment of goals.

Opinions

Susie's frequent use of "I’ll try to…" indicates a possible overemphasis on effort in her approach to tasks.
Eddie Izzard believes that excessive trying can lead to a less desirable outcome compared to letting go and allowing creativity to flow naturally.
Malcolm Forbes highlights the paradox of trying, suggesting that both trying too little and too hard can lead to failure.
The author notes that hard work does not guarantee success, as success also depends on external factors like luck and timing.
Wayne Dyer advises not to overthink or overexert in life, suggesting that things will naturally unfold in divine order.
Henry Rollins acknowledges that trying can sometimes lead to failure, as it did for him in comedy clubs where he felt he tried too hard.
The author's friend Susie is used as an example to illustrate that trying can make tasks seem more laborious and less enjoyable.
The author emphasizes that action, not just the intention to try, is necessary to achieve goals and that sometimes, doing what it takes without overexertion is the key to success.

Effort’s Overrated: Stop Trying, and Just Do It

The easiest way to get things done is to take action while not struggling

My terrific friend Susie (real name withheld) tries hard. A lot. Barely a conversation goes by without her uttering the words “I’ll try to…” Whether we’re arranging to meet for coffee, she wants to clean the car, or hopes to catch her favorite TV show, she vows to try to accomplish her aim. And I can’t help noticing everything she does takes effort and wondering if it’s got something to do with associating trying with getting things done.

Eddie agrees:

There’s a thing about trying too hard, which I think is in all forms, which is if you really try to do things really well, you can get to a less good place than if you just let go and let it fly. Especially in creativity.

Eddie Izzard

Many western cultures emphasize the advantages of trying, so it’s no wonder striving to achieve goals is popular. The message is that if you try hard, you’ll win the race, make more money, and bag your soulmate. All it takes is effort, and you’ll be a winner.

“How to succeed: Try hard enough.”

Malcolm Forbes

You might think Malcolm is all in when it comes to struggling, but the second half of his quote goes like this:

“How to Fail: Try too hard.”

Malcolm Forbes

There’s a problem with the notion we must try very hard before we can succeed. Not only is the idea we can’t get anywhere without hard work sometimes wrong (creativity, for example, flows best without applied pressure), but the concept we must try or fail puts our success in our hands 100%.

Wanting, trying hard, and sweating as we grapple to get to the top isn’t a surefire way to reach the peak. We play a big part in what happens. But no matter how hard we try, our effort can’t guarantee success. Plenty of people work hard their whole lives and don’t get ahead. Success has many components; luck, strategy, talent, contacts, and timing, to name a few.

Wayne suggests just letting things be:

“Let the world unfold without always attempting to figure it all out. Let relationships just be since everything is going to stretch out in Divine order. Don’t try so hard to make something work — simply allow. Don’t always toil at trying to understand your mate, your children, your parents, your boss, or anyone else because the Tao is working at all times.”

Wayne Dyer

Of course, we are responsible for what we do, and sometimes, we might struggle and make a great effort before we make great strides. Yet, on other occasions working until we drop, staring at our computer screens until the wee hours to accomplish tasks, or using every ounce of resolve and grit inside us doesn’t work.

“If I had to perform in a comedy club, I would bomb; I would be trying too hard.”

Henry Rollins

We don’t always win, even if we enter the race and toil our utmost. Trying can be our undoing. So, success isn’t always about trying. Indeed, we can also associate trying hard with failure.

It’s deemed your fault when you lose in life, too, if you believe in the concept that trying always creates success. You should have tried harder. You didn’t apply yourself and do everything within your power to be a success. You couldn’t win because you didn’t make enough effort and should be ashamed.

However, much of the time, losing doesn’t stem from a lack of effort.

Of course, you need to buy a lottery ticket before you can win the lottery; however, there’s no need to try to buy a ticket. You just do it. And plenty of other things in life are similar.

Dear Susie need not try to buy groceries, watch a TV show, or meet me for coffee. She can do these things, or she can’t do them. And I suspect trying makes accomplishing them that much more difficult. After all, you get tired if you strain to get things done. Everything feels tedious and a chore when you try.

You do, however, need to take action to accomplish goals. Sitting still while you dream of traveling or writing a novel won’t get the job done. You have to get up and move forward with an aim in mind and a plan to follow before reaching your destination.

But don’t try too hard. Just keep doing what it takes to complete the journey.

So, here’s to just doing what it takes rather than focusing on the effort we must make to achieve our goals. I note the one who wins the race sets their sights on the finish line rather than concentrating on the complex job of running and considering how hard it is to put one foot in front of the other.

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