Tag Archives: effort

Your first task is to find what feels effortless

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“Your first task is to find what feels effortless to you. Your second task is to put maximum effort into it.”

—James Clear, American Self-Help Writer

Image from Unsplash by Moises Alex

As a child, Serena Williams found tennis effortless — her movements on the court felt natural, almost like play.

Encouraged by her father, she recognized this gift early, but Serena didn’t stop at talent. She poured maximum effort into every practice, waking before dawn to train, pushing through setbacks and injuries.

Her combination of natural ability and relentless hard work transformed her into one of the greatest athletes of all time. Her story shows that true success comes not just from finding your strengths, but from dedicating yourself fully to developing them.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your personal and professional life does today’s quote apply to you?

Consider reading Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham to broaden your capacities for excellence and personal mastery.

Over the long run, it matters less how often you’re the best

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“Over the long run, it matters less how often you’re the best at whatever you take on, and matters more how often you give your best to whatever you take on.”

—Rohan Rajiv — author of A Learning a Day blog

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

Consistent effort outweighs occasional success. Being the best in the moment is fleeting, but consistently showing up with your best builds true growth and resilience.

When you focus on giving your best, regardless of the outcome, you develop skills, character, and confidence that endures. This mindset encourages perseverance and personal excellence, turning challenges into opportunities to improve.

Ultimately, success is less about winning every time and more about committing wholeheartedly to each task, making life far more meaningful and fulfilling.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you shift your focus from external validation to one of personal effort and consistency?

What will the long run benefits be to you and others by choosing this approach in whatever you do?

No matter how good you shaved today

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“No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.”

—Reed Markham, University Professor & Author

Image from Unsplash by Supply

Today’s quote encapsulates a fundamental truth about life and personal growth.

It reminds us that excellence is not a one-time achievement, but a continuous process.

Just like shaving, our personal and professional development requires daily attention and effort. We can’t just rest on our laurels or past accomplishments. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth.

It’s not about perfection but about showing up every day, embracing the attributes of consistency and persistence. By adopting this mindset, we can cultivate lasting habits and achieve sustainable success in all areas of our lives.

EXERCISE:

Replace the word shaved in the following sentence:

No matter how good you __________ today, you have to do it again tomorrow to have the life you want.

I have never seen ordinary effort lead to extraordinary results

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“I have never seen ordinary effort lead to extraordinary results.”

—Alexander Wang, American fashion designer

Image from Unsplash by Fedor

Did you know that the Beatles developed their musical skills through intense and grueling work, particularly during their time in Hamburg, Germany?

Their extraordinary commitment to improvement involved several strategies, including:

  • Extensive practice: Playing for eight hours straight helped them develop confidence and greater technical skills.
  • Their rigorous work ethic often demanded that they play eight days a week.😊
  • Instead of playing the same sets over and over, the Hamburg performances required them to innovate and expand their musical repertoire making them more versatile and creative performers.
  • The band faced multiple rejections and were turned down by at least five record labels before finally getting a contract with EMI in June of 1962.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your world have you expected ordinary efforts to produce extraordinary results?

How can you apply more than a few hard days nights to have more extraordinary results come together for you?

You can’t leave a footprint that lasts if you’re always walking on tiptoes

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“You can’t leave a footprint that lasts if you’re always walking on tiptoes.”

—Marion Blakely, President and CEO for the Rolls Royce of America

Image from Unsplash by Khadeeja Yasser

Where are you trying to make your mark on the world?

Just like one of those rubber stamps that have begun to run out of ink, our ongoing efforts to accomplish things of note are often too light to leave the lasting imprint we want.

Where are you tip-toeing around in your life, reluctant to take a firm stand on what you value and believe? How have these modest efforts made only minimal impressions that are easily washed away with time?

EXERCISE:

Whether it’s through great force or repeated actions over time, what will it take for you to make the dents in the universe you deeply desire?

The bond of our common humanity is stronger

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“The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness or our fears and prejudices.”

—Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States

Image from whitehouse.gov

Jimmy Carter is known for his commitment and efforts to enhance human rights at home and throughout the world. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his diplomacy and promoting peace through the Carter Center.

At the age of 100, his life stands as a powerful legacy of extraordinary contributions to global welfare, inspiring others to engage in a wide range of humanitarian work.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does your attitude and efforts support the bonds of our common humanity? How do and can you partner with others in your communities to create a more peaceful and unified world for everyone?

Friday Review: Effort

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Friday Review: Effort

Where do you put your strongest efforts in life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“People can’t jump on your bandwagon if it’s parked in the garage.”

 

 

 

“What is the least I can teach you that would be the most valuable?”

 

 

 

“Do my expectations match the level of effort I’m giving?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Effort only releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.”

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“Effort only releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.”

—Napoleon Hill, 20th Century American self-help author

Image from Unsplash by Scott Graham

My son Dan is very smart. In school he always got top grades with very little effort. As his dad, I always encouraged him to apply himself fully to realize even more of his potential.

One morning during his freshman year in college I tried getting him up early for an exam he had that day. Unfortunately, he dismissed my unwanted coaching as nagging, indicating that he already had a solid “A”.

The following year he transferred from Oakland University to the University of Michigan where he was no longer the sharpest tool in the shed. Seemingly overnight “B’s” replaced “A’s” and his ego took quite a hit.

With this rude awakening he then applied himself with considerable resolve to receive what he said was the best “A” he ever earned.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the most rewarding moments of your life? How often do you notice the correlation between your tenacity to never give up and the sweet satisfaction of realizing more of your potential?

“In the long term, you can’t get better results than your consistency.”

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“In the long term, you can’t get better results than your consistency.”

—Shane Parrish, author of Clear Thinking

Image from Unsplash by Jacob Rice

During the summer Olympics I joyfully watched with amazement the levels of excellence everywhere.

Two athletes that stood out for me were Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky.

One of the highlights for me was watching Katie swim the 1,500 meters, which she won by 10 seconds over the silver medalist. Katie now owns the twenty fastest times ever recorded and has swum over 23,000 miles in her lifetime, which is almost the circumference of the earth!

EXERCISE:

Where in your life have you been the most consistent in your efforts?

How has your dedication and stick-to-it-ness served you well and supported your success over the years?

Where might some added consistency serve you best in the days and years ahead?

Beautiful things come together a stitch at a time

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Beautiful things come together a stitch at a time. Pace your efforts and watch the tapestry of your life unfold.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Barbara Krysztofiak

Where do you find yourself rushing through your days, or adding a level of urgency to areas of life that are clearly unimportant?

Where did all this striving to keep up or get ahead originate?

Where do the concepts of peer pressure — or the fear of missing out — have you trying to pack twenty pounds of potatoes into a ten-pound bag?

Years ago, my wife belonged to a needle craft club where she created various works of art a stitch at a time.

Sometimes a two-hour session would result in only a few square inches of her evolving masterpiece. Years later, these pieces have become increasingly meaningful because of how her meticulous efforts led to a one-and-only creation.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world would a slower pace help you seek, find, and stitch together a more beautiful and meaningful life?