Yesterday in the client spotlight for Sarah Wood Photography I wrote this:

It’s not easy but it can happen with great ease.

We got some feedback on this because, well, technically it’s a contradiction.  The thing is, to me it’s not.  These two things are as different as night and day.

When I say that something is easy I mean that it is effortless, completely void of push – there is no try involved.  And I’ll be honest – I don’t value it a whole lot.  Your ability to do easy does not impress me.

For example: Phil Mickelson kicking my butt at mini-golf would not wow me. Well, it would wow me in that I was playing mini-golf with Phil (which should totally happen) but his ability to kick my butt – that is EASY for him, he’s a pro – there is no push.  I would be unimpressed by this.

When I say that something happens with great ease I mean that while there is work and effort, there is minimal drag. The resistance to meet the goal is negligible – there is a wonderful feeling to the action – it is fluid.  It is like how the grass grows – without struggle and up towards the sun.  It’s focused and rewarding and I place a whole lot of value here.

For example: The way Michael Phelps moves through the water; it’s clearly a lot of work – there is an excess of effort, but minimal resistance. It’s almost like the end of the lane is pulling him in.  THAT is ease.

My goal is not to have work that is easy. I do not want an easy life.  That would be awful.  But I do want a life that unfolds with ease, work hard, grow up towards the sun, enjoy the journey – marinate in the achievements and then go after more.