Grace in effortlessness
Sometimes, all we can offer is our best effort—and sometimes, that’s enough. I’ve never been a big fan of heroics, especially in the workplace. Rushing around, scrambling to get things done, or just generally running on chaos mode usually signals that something is out of sync. There’s a kind of grace in effortlessness, a flow that feels both natural and admirable.
When I was younger, I used to obsess over a particular line from Sting’s Englishman in New York: “A gentleman will walk but never run.” To me, that phrase embodied ultimate coolness—this image of someone calm, collected, and composed. Someone who’s always ready but never frazzled, moving through life with an aura of quiet confidence. It felt a bit like Stoicism in action.
Think about it: when a muscle is tensed, it doesn’t flex as smoothly. The same applies to us. When we’re stressed, frantic, or trying too hard, we create unnecessary friction. It’s like a test of character—being able to approach things with ease, as if effort itself doesn’t require effort. But this isn’t just about appearances. Sure, seeming composed can improve how others perceive us, but it’s more about what happens internally. When we stop forcing things, we tend to find clarity, balance, and—ironically—a better outcome.
Of course, this is easier said than done. One of the biggest barriers to effortlessness is often our own perfectionism. That little voice in our heads demanding that everything must be flawless can push us into a frantic state, making us rush or overthink. Sometimes, we need to loosen our grip on perfection to find peace.
Adopting a “best effort” mindset doesn’t mean slacking off or cutting corners mindlessly. It means recognizing that perfection isn’t always necessary—or even possible. It’s about putting things in perspective and allowing ourselves to work smarter, not harder. Minimizing effort isn’t about laziness; it’s about focus. It’s about knowing which corners can be safely cut so we can conserve our energy for what truly matters.
So, maybe there’s something to be said for walking through life rather than running. It’s not just cooler—it’s more sustainable. And in a world that constantly demands more, maybe giving just enough is the most radical thing we can do.