How to access the easy button in your career

Years ago, I got a Staples easy button, and it sits on my desk to this day. If you aren’t familiar with what that is – it is a red button with white type of “easy” on it and when you press it a voice says in a very self-satisfied way: “That was easy!”

I have it on my desk to remind me that looking for the easiest way to do things is a super helpful approach and it is fun to press it and hear the reinforcement.

When I take the easiest path toward my tasks and projects, I find that I am not as tired by the end of the day and usually things fall into place in a way I might not have expected.

But why is doing things the easiest way beneficial to you as you navigate your career or business?

In the wonderful book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success Deepak Copra explains the Law of Least Effort (chapter four).

“This law is based on the fact that nature’s intelligence functions with effortless ease and abandoned carefreeness. This is the principle of least action, of no resistance. This is, therefore, the principle of harmony and love. When we learn this lesson from nature, we easily fulfill our desires.” He gives the example that a flower doesn’t try to bloom, it just blooms. This is an efficient and sustainable use of energy. In Vedic Science it is known as the principle of economy of effort or do less and accomplish more.

This comes across as a paradox for those of us living in such a materially oriented, goal-focused culture. We think that if we really push to get things done, put a lot of effort into achieving our goals, try to manipulate circumstances, and work hard and long hours that the results will surely follow. In fact for many of us this appears to be the only way. And we absolutely can achieve things using that method. But we may find lots of obstacles along the way, have a hard time sustaining the results, and end up stressed, tired, depleted or out of balance in our lives if that is our regular mode.

Chopra is suggesting that taking the path of least effort gets us into a flow with the universe, that we tap into some kind of synchronization that is always taking place. He asserts that it is “human nature to make our dreams manifest in physical form, easily and effortlessly.” The key though is that love is what powers this law – if we love what we are doing, the skills we are using, the service we are providing then we are available for this synchronization with something far greater than our own individual effort.

So how do we get into working with the Law of Least Effort?

• Before you embark on your task or dive into a project brainstorm with yourself: is there an easier way for me to accomplish this? Then bring that perspective back into your work.
• Ask: How am I feeling about this task or project? If you are feeling stressed, like you have to push or struggle to get it done, stop, take some deep breaths and connect to what you love about what you do, how grateful you are to be able to do it, how much serving those who benefit from your service makes your heart sing.
• Keep track of what happens when you apply the Law of Least effort – journal or list things that go well and how this affects the experience of your day. This can reinforce continuing to use it.

If your situation in your job or career is such that you cannot take a breath to even contemplate working in a more effortless way, perhaps it is time to think about making a change. That process too can be done in a way that flows for you, rather than moving from a place of fear or struggle.

And get yourself an easy button to remind you!