What does it mean to you when you hear the word, EFFORTLESS?

We all know people who make certain things look effortless, like, they don’t even have to think about what they’re doing, and it all works out perfectly.

I’ll tell you this, there’s not much in life that feels effortless to me.

Do you ever feel like:

-Things are harder than they used to be?

-You know something is really important but you still struggle to get it done?

-You feel like you’re trying harder but never getting closer to the goals that you’ve set?

-You want to do more, but your energy doesn’t match up?

I know that‘s how I’ve felt and that doesn’t feel like the Overburdened No More life that we’re wanting here does it?

I’m always on the search for ways to make things easier.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but when has that stopped me from sharing with you in the past, right?  But I’ve even caught myself trying to figure out the way to take less trips around the kitchen as I go about making a meal.  Like, always thinking of what I could grab in one trip to the cupboard instead of having to make a separate trip to the pantry.  Now, if you knew my kitchen, you’d know that it’s not very big.  The cooking area is especially compact, so I’m aware that I’m actually spending more energy thinking about how I could spend less energy.  I don’t know why I do it, I just seem to be wired that way.

I know that’s not exactly what I’m trying to share with you here today, but it was an example that popped into my head.

I want to make things easier, but I think I usually make things harder in the process of my overthinking.  Something I’m also trying to work on.

There always seems to be more to fix to feel like I’m progressing.

Does getting ahead have to be as hard as we’re making it out to be?

I do believe there is an easier path and that’s what led me to read the book “Effortless”. 

And yes, it’s our next book club book.

It’s by Greg McKeown and I felt like it was a good choice for us because it’s a follow-up to our first quarter book by the same author.  We read Essentialism in January.  Did you read it?

You can read this second book without reading Essentialism first.  It’s not a sequel.  They do support each other but they are independent too.

I wanted to read you what the book jacket says that Effortless teaches you how to do:

-Turn tedious tasks into enjoyable rituals

-Set a sustainable pace

-Simplify your processes and remove unnecessary steps

-Make one-time choices that eliminate many future decisions (note this one.  I really want to discuss this with you more after you’ve read it)

-Prevent frustration by solving problems before they arise

-Make relationships easier to maintain and manage

Sound good?

It is.

One of the first things he teaches in this book is that when you are living in an effortless state, you feel lighter in two ways. 

The first is you feel less heavy, unburdened! 

Good word for this podcast huh! 

You aren’t weighted down, and you suddenly have more energy. 

That sounds fantastic doesn’t it!?

Second, he says that lighter also means more full of light. 

Listen to this quote:

“When you remove the burdens in your heart and the distractions in your mind, you are able to see more clearly.  You can discern the right action and light the right path.”

Amazing!!!

Remove burdens

Have more energy

Remove distractions from your mind

See more clearly.

Discern right actions

Light your path

I say, Bring on the Effortless State!!!

He says that the effortless state is one that you are physically rested, emotionally unburdened, and mentally energized.  You are completely present, attentive, and focused on what’s important in that moment.  You are able to do what matters most with ease.

To say I love the premise of this book is an understatement!  It’s like it listened to the trailer of this podcast and wrote a book about how to fix it.

I really like Greg McKeown’s writing style and I think his brain is brilliant.

I invite you to jump in for a great summer read that helps your life, not just a mindless novel that takes you out of your life.  Not that I’m against novels, I’m just one for making my life feel how I want it to feel. 

Why can’t life feel more effortless and easy?

Why shouldn’t I have more energy and see more clearly?

Why shouldn’t you?

Join me in the next three months and read our book club book for quarter 3.

Remember, it’s Effortless by Greg McKeown.

I’ll be looking forward to your comments.

Let me know what you think as you’re reading it.

If you come across a powerful paragraph that makes you want to stand up and change everything you’re doing, send me an email at marla@hunkeedori.com and tell me about it.  I want to know!  I’d like to hear the effect it’s having on the life you are choosing to live.