The Effort Trap

Are you working too hard?

By Robert Holden, Ph.D.

Published: October 9, 2009

The Work Ethic fails to teach that too much effort can actually block success.

“Success is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.”

A majority of us have been raised to believe in this old Work Ethic mantra. We live as if it is the whole truth about success, and we never question it. Maybe, though, the reason that your success takes 99 percent perspiration is that we only allow for one percent inspiration. I believe that if people are courageous enough to go for 2 percent inspiration and 98 percent perspiration, their lives will be blessed with at least double the grace and success. A one-percent increase in inspiration can make a world of difference.

The Work Ethic fails to teach that too much effort can actually block success. When you stop trying so hard, you are often easier to live with, you are more attractive, and your relationships blossom. Similarly, your work flows, you perform better, and you catch yourself enjoying your life. Have you ever heard about people who found their soul mate only after they stopped trying to get a partner?

Success requires commitment, particularly the commitment to balance effort with grace. True champions like Linford Christie or Michael Johnson (dubbed “the fastest man alive”) look so relaxed as they glide across the track. They are fully committed and perfectly poised. They are in the zone, which is the meeting point between effort and grace. In the postrace interviews, the winners always comment on how relaxed they felt. Clearly, the relaxation they speak of is not idleness or apathy.

Robert Holden, Ph.D., is the Director of The Happiness Project and Success Intelligence. His innovative work on happiness and success has been featured on Oprah and in two major BBC-TV documentaries. Visit: RobertHolden.org.