Effortless vs. no effort

January 6th, 2011

Effortlessness is an integral part of my strategy to guitar playing. In fact, it is the defining principle of my life.

But words have their limitations and the term ‘effortless’ is full of ambiguities. I’ve had at least one YSA (Young Smart Aleck) come and tell me he doesn’t practice because he’s doing it the “effortless” way.

Well, there’s a huge difference between effortless playing and not playing at all.

One describes a state of mastery, the other describes a state of general laziness (to use a politically incorrect word).

It got me thinking; how do you distinguish between effortless and no effort?

Here’re a few key differences that come to mind:

Effortless

Exerts minimal effort

Clearly defined goals

Practices intensely

Finds shortcuts to reduce effort

Gets results

Taps into nature’s energy

A state of mastery

No effort

Exerts zero effort

No goals

Does not practice

Finds excuses to avoid effort

No results

No effort, no energy required

A state of cluelessness

2 Responses to “Effortless vs. no effort”

  1. Jim Says:

    Thanks for posting this. -Jim, recovering YSA

  2. Philip Hii Says:

    Hi Jim, thanks for dropping by again.

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