Embracing the Easy Path: A Guide to Effective Goal Achievement
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
A few weeks ago, I made the decision to start writing blog posts on Medium. True to my diligent nature, I aimed to conduct thorough research before diving in. I sought to understand how the platform functions, what key aspects I should be aware of, and what challenges I might encounter as a novice. However, this quest for knowledge quickly turned into an overwhelming experience as I encountered a myriad of suggestions on what I should prioritize when writing.
I stumbled upon YouTube videos advising me on how to format my titles and the ideal word count for my articles. Articles I read recommended posting three to four times a week and suggested optimal times for publishing. The sheer volume of information left me feeling daunted, and I hadn't even penned a single word!
After all this research, what did I do? I found myself lounging on my bed, mindlessly scrolling through YouTube Shorts, playing Clash Royale (yes, I admit it), watching more Shorts, and then heading to sleep. Sound familiar?
That's why today, I'd like to discuss the merits of taking the simpler route.
Section 1.1: Prioritizing What Matters
When starting a new venture (or improving an ongoing one), the key to success lies in adhering to the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. While it's beneficial to listen to experts and strive for minor enhancements, concentrating on the crucial 20% can yield 80% of the desired results. These foundational tasks are vital for future progress, making it imperative to get this 20% right.
For me, this means focusing on writing and publishing blog posts, as these actions will provide the majority of my results. I shouldn't let myself get bogged down by minutiae, such as crafting the perfect title or selecting the ideal time to post, as these details often yield diminishing returns.
If my writing resonates with readers, the results will naturally follow. While I acknowledge that titles and other elements hold importance, what value does a great title have if the writing itself fails to engage?
Subsection 1.1.1: Concentrate on the Essentials
Section 1.2: Limitations of Focus
Focusing on the essential 20% helps to mitigate feelings of being overwhelmed (we all have a finite capacity for cognitive effort, or as Mark Manson puts it, there are only so many "f*cks" we can give each day). Instead of wasting energy on the less impactful 80%, it's wiser to dedicate your efforts to the critical 20%.
Chapter 2: The Benefits of Taking It Easy
The initial 20% you tackle is often the simplest. They require minimal effort—essentially, it's just about writing and hitting that publish button. The remaining 80% involves more complex tasks that, while they may yield some improvement, will not be nearly as impactful as mastering the basics.
When you consider upgrading an aspect of your life, business, or any endeavor, reflect on the most effective actions you can take to maximize your results (or the quality of your outcomes).
I’m not suggesting you neglect improvements in all areas of your pursuits. Rather, if you're finding it challenging to get started, zero in on the most significant and impactful tasks first. For writing, this translates to prioritizing the act of writing itself!
What challenge are you currently facing, and how can the 80/20 rule help you address it? For me, enhancing the quality of my writing is paramount. My plan to achieve this? By writing and sharing more posts!
The first video, "Why Choosing the Easy Path in Life Isn't Always the BEST," explores how opting for simpler choices can initially seem beneficial but may not yield the best long-term outcomes.
The second video, "How Taking The Easy Route Now Will Hurt You Later," delves into the consequences of avoiding challenges and the importance of confronting difficulties for personal growth.