Taking the easy way out

[Whizzy]

Today I was just thinking to myself, why is it that many people take the easy way out in life. Is it simply because it's easy, lack of willpower, lack of direction, what could it be? This can range to anything from lying, blaming depression for your life, not seeking more in life, and the list goes on and on. Any thoughts?

 

[Thedoctor]

Whizzy,

I really think it just has to do with the "path of least resistance." We've evolved over the years to do the most work with the least amount of effort (hence all the references to this on this site). We're energy-conservative by nature. So any time someone offers up a quick-fix solution, it can be very difficult to ignore. Which is apparent with all the fad diets or "10 min ab" style exercise programs.

At the end of the day, I think everyone is lazy (Laziness turns the wheel of invention, not necessity). A few of us realize that lots of hard work at first ends up being far less work in the future. But few people want to venture that path, because we're programmed to respond to quick rewards, not eventual rewards. Your reptilian brain has a hard time understanding why you would do all this hard work because it only has the ability to understand short term gains. So. I'd say this is the biggest factor in those that take the easy way out. They allow their reptilian brain to control their lives.

That's my opinion,
-John

 

[Mr.Rob]

Very interesting topic, one that probably deserves an article in it's own right (included with why you shouldn't).

One thing a freetour video brought to my attention was the fact that when we have a decision presented to us we usually know in the back of our minds which is the "right decision" to make but often enough choose the "easy" route because it's less taxing. I thought about it and you really do usually know what the "right" decision is.

When your out meeting women and you see the first girl of the night you know you should approach but it's all too easy to put it off.

When your at the store shopping and you get to the checkout line with all the candy bars, chips, and soda dangling in front of you you know you should leave it alone but it's all too easy to grab the fucking coke and snickers.

When you get off after a long taxing day at work and it's a gym day it's all too easy to rationalize an excuse for not going to workout, but you know you should.

The most interesting part to me is that when you go the "easy" route, and you guys tell me if you experience a similar feeling, I feel a drop in self-esteem and feel like a bitch.

However when I feel like the last thing in the world you want to do is approach, abstain from junk food, or hit the gym and I just fucking do it anyway I feel like a boss. The perverted pleasure of pushing through and doing the thing thats going to take you closer to your goal.

Cool thread guys,

-Rob

 

[Smith]

However when I feel like the last thing in the world you want to do is approach, abstain from junk food, or hit the gym and I just fucking do it anyway I feel like a boss. The perverted pleasure of pushing through and doing the thing thats going to take you closer to your goal.

And it actually doesn't matter if you got that girl's number or not, you'll just be happy you took action. And often, you do get those girls' number and go on dates with them. It's funny how it works, and how easy it is for your ego to talk yourself out when you're actually closer to the goal than you think.

Anthony Robbins — 'If you can't you must, and if you must you can.'

 

[Tim Iron]

i vote for mr rob and the doctor to write an article on this issue - good replies from the two of them!