The path of least resistance.

The path of least resistance.

Tim Connor

Have you ever noticed that at certain times of your life everything seems to flow smoothly and easily – you are in the groove, while at other times, no matter what you do or don’t do, how hard to try or how long you strive, everything just falls apart while you watch in amazement as life seems to deteriorate while you are getting what you don’t feel or believe you deserve or have asked for?

I know that feeling, folks – I have been in both places many times during my life. Getting in the groove is a wonderful place to be, and spending time in a rut is just not fun or rewarding and often humiliating.

What are a few of the causes, symptoms, results, negative consequences, feelings, attitudes and benefits of both? That’s a book but let me share just a few quick points. Yes, there can be benefits to being in a rut, and yes, there can be negative consequences to being in the groove.

The path of least resistance doesn’t mean:

- you sit around and wait for your ship to come in

- you hope someone else will deliver success/happiness to your doorstep

- success will come because you have worked hard all of your life up to this      point

- you are guaranteed whatever you want because you were born with the          right  genes  or environment

- you are guaranteed success because you were born into the right family

- you will easily get everything you want because you just deserve it

- no bumps in the road

- everything has to be perfect every time, every relationship and even every      day

The path of least resistance does mean:

- life is more fulfilling when you do what you love

- life is more fun & rewarding when you control your emotions

- you will achieve more if you know what you want

- you will achieve your dreams if you never give in or quit

- you roll just as easily with the curves as you do the straight-aways

- you enjoy the trip one day at a time or even one minute at a time

- your outcomes are not just up to you

Are you in the groove right now, or are you struggling to get out of a rut or hole?

Regardless, learn that every obstacle, plateau, bump in the road, achievement, failure, or success is not about what is happening - but what you are learning from it and how you are growing because of it.

If you are in a rut today: ask yourself – how did I get here and what can I learn while I am here?

If you are in the groove today: ask yourself – how did I get here and what can I learn while I am here?

Get it, regardless of the circumstances or consequences you are experiencing now - the lesson is the same; life is about learning, growing, becoming and giving.  It is not about selfishness, narcissism, control, taking and thinking or believing you are ever the smartest person in the room.

In the end, life is here to teach us what it wants us to learn while we are taking the journey.  It is very patient and will keep sending us teachers; people, events, circumstances, challenges, problems and yes achievements until we finally – get it – we are here to learn – not; whine, brag, complain or act like the world owes us anything.

So if you are in the groove – learn.  If you are in a rut – learn.