The path of least resistance

You've probably heard many times that water follows the path of least resistance, meaning that it will find its way where the material is more favorable for water to pass through.

However, for the purpose of changing habits and becoming a healthier version of ourselves, a version we prefer, it's important to focus on another aspect of this reality. While the statement above is true, it fails to highlight that resistance will still be present because where there is no resistance, the water will not flow; it will simply remain.

Imagine that you dig a hole in the sand and fill it up with water: the walls of the hole where the water rests are too resistant for water to move elsewhere, and at the same time, water occupies the space where the material has made way for it, with no resistance.

However, if there is an area where the sand is less compact, for example, water will find its way. Now, imagine that instead of just still water, you've dug a hole right next to the sea, and the tide is rising. The force of the oncoming waves will eventually break through the walls of the hole, especially where the sand offers the least resistance.

What can we learn from this analogy?

Whatever the situation we find ourselves in, the walls around us represent the situations that are too challenging or demanding for us to move through. If we want to evolve, if we want to change, it seems reasonable to expect that some resistance will come from our environment, our current habits, our general situation when we try to move elsewhere.

If we're not prepared to make some effort, it's very likely we will remain where we are, subject to the circumstances of that moment.

However, this analogy also teaches us that our efforts are best directed where there is the least resistance on our path. This can mean different things for different people: you might find it easier to wake up 30 minutes earlier than you normally do so you have some time to prepare, rather than rushing to work. Or perhaps you find it easier to incorporate some physical activity every day, or maybe you find it easier to stop buying biscuits and crisps when grocery shopping, so you don't indulge in them frequently.

Whichever is your path of least resistance, this is where you should focus your efforts to begin with. Soon, you'll see how you improve, and tasks that once felt difficult will become much easier to tackle. And then, you'll find the path of least resistance once again.

A brief note for those fellow humans who fear failure as much as we do: remember that you can always return to where you were and find a different pathway. In any case, you'll be expanding your possibilities and your capacity to handle effort will increase.

Lucia and Roberto