The Value of Effort: Summiting a Mountain by Helicopter

We live in a world where instant gratification is highly valued. 

We want quick and easy results with minimal effort. 

But results without effort are like summiting a mountain by helicopter. 

From the outside, the outcome might look the same. 

But the one who goes through the rite of passage - riddled with effort, struggle, and resilience - comes back a changed man. 

The modern world has provided us with an endless amount of luxuries such as convenience, access, information, and automation, which has led us to believe that what we want is effortless results.  

All of these technological advancements have made the world an ‘easier’ place to live.  However, it would be tough to argue that these advancements have made the world a ‘better’ place to live. 

Everything has a cost. 

As we pay for an easier life, we lose the value that comes from the effort. 

Want an example?

You’re hungry.

You want food. 

But what you have in the fridge isn’t quite hitting the spot.  

Let’s just say you’re craving, Pad Thai

Lucky for you, you are just a pocket reach away. The effort required for you to get Pad Thai - delivered to your doorstep - requires you reaching into your pocket, grabbing your phone, and moving your thumb… 

A few minutes later, voilà, you are eating Pad Thai. 

This ultra-convenience automation model, isn't necessarily bad. It allows for an extreme amount of productivity, and you could argue that our ability to divide and conquer is one of the primary reasons that humans have evolved at such rapid rates in relative to other animals.

Sharing responsibilities and outsourcing tasks is a tremendous gift that we oftentimes take for granted. We are no longer on a solo survival mission. We have time to work on meaningful tasks and solve complex problems. No longer do we need to spend the vast majority of our time satisfying our basic needs. 

However, in this pursuit of convenience, we have lost the value that comes from putting in effort and the sense of accomplishment that comes along with it.

Let’s take the example of climbing a mountain. In the past, climbing a mountain required days or even weeks of preparation and effort, from planning the route to packing the right gear and food. It involved hiking for miles, scaling rock faces, and enduring unpredictable weather conditions. Finally, after all that effort, reaching the summit was a moment of triumph and a source of pride.

Nowadays, it’s possible to take a helicopter to the top of many mountains, avoiding all the effort required to reach the summit. While this option may seem appealing, it robs us of the sense of accomplishment that comes from putting in the effort and reaching the summit on our own.

Effort is what makes us stronger, more resilient, and capable of overcoming challenges. When we put in the effort to achieve something, we develop a sense of determination, perseverance, and discipline that can benefit us in all aspects of life.

While we may be living in a world of instant gratification and convenience, it’s important to remember the value of effort.  It’s what makes us human, and it’s what makes us better.

Whether it’s climbing a mountain, training jiu jitsu, taking care of your kids, or starting a new business - putting in the effort and seeing it through to the end is what gives us a sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

Everyone wants to be on top of the mountain…

But anyone who has climbed the mountain knows that the story, the memory, the happiness, and the growth - comes from the climb. 

Own the Process,

Tim

Author & Founder