It’s Monday, a fresh start to the week! We all dive in, energized and eager to make the best of our time.
Today’s meditation challenges the notion that success hinges on relentless effort – a constant state of pushing and brute-force striving – and asks us to stop for a moment and reflect on the question; is there a difference between “doing our best” and “trying too hard?”
“It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.
I was so preposterously serious in those days, Lightly, lightly – it’s the best advice ever given me.
So throw away your baggage and go forward. There are quicksands all about you, sucking at your feet, trying to suck you down into fear and self-pity and despair.
That’s why you must walk so lightly. Lightly my darling.”
– Aldous Huxley
Of course we want to do our best – and so we should – but add stress and anxiety and frantic thinking into the mix, and soon our best effort turns into something that has become no more productive than stirring up mud while we splash about fearfully in our pond.
The truth is, there’s a world of difference between “doing your best” and “trying too hard.” While the former implies a dedicated effort fueled by passion, the latter feels strained, desperate, and ultimately counterproductive. Trying too hard creates a constricted space, one where we lose sight of the bigger picture and the creativity that often arises from a relaxed, open mind.
Perhaps in the past you’ve encountered the ubiquitous advice to “just try harder!” This well-meaning mantra might have served you well at times, but it overlooks the importance of finding balance.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
“How to succeed: try hard enough. How to fail: try too hard.” – Malcolm Forbes
“Try but don’t try too hard. Just try hard enough, and things will go better.” – Rodney Crowell
“And when you try too hard, it doesn’t work. Try grabbing something quickly and precisely with a tensed-up arm; then relax your arm and try it again. Try doing something with a tense mind and see how much harder it is to think. The surest way to become Tense, Awkward, and Confused is to develop a mind that tries too hard – a mind that thinks too much.” – Benjamin Hoff
You can do your best without trying so damn hard.
It’s a balance that we only find through experience. We have to feel and adjust, feel and adjust…
Become a bit softer while you’re busy trying. Breathe as you go. Take a little bit of time to step back and really see the space that exists around you.
Finding the sweet spot between effort and ease is an ongoing journey. The good news is, it’s entirely possible to excel without feeling like you’re constantly pushing uphill.
Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind:
- Do your best, but release the need to control. Focus on the process, not just the outcome.
- Embrace a growth mindset. Challenge yourself, but allow room for mistakes and learning.
- Practice self-compassion. Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate your progress, big or small.
- Find lightness in your approach. Humor, playfulness, and a sense of ease can open doors to creativity and success.
- Take a breath. Stepping back, even for a moment, allows you to see the situation with fresh eyes.
Remember, “lightly, lightly” doesn’t equate to laziness. It’s about working smart, not just hard. It’s about finding the rhythm that allows you to shine brightly, effortlessly. So, take a deep breath, release the tension, and step into your week with effortless effort. You’ve got this!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Jumpstart the week!