It always amazes me how many times I come across people doing something the hard way, and when asked why, they have no logical reason. Do we think we are braver, or stronger or smarter if we choose the hard way even if it's not necessary?
I am the kind of person who will choose the easy way whenever possible. I drive the route with the fewest turns. I buy all my groceries at the same store. I bought a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree. It's just easier. I am not saying that the easy way is always the best decision.
Clearly, there are times when things must be done the hard way, especially when it comes to running a business and raising kids. Taking the easy way when it comes to accounting or business structure could lead to all kinds of legal problems later. Taking the easy way with discipline could lead to much bigger behavior issues later.
I have made some rather big life decisions based on what was easiest, and it has worked out surprisingly well. Much to the dismay of my guidance counselor in High School, I asked to look at only calenders from schools with 2 year programs. I ended up finding something I loved to do for a living. (I later went to university for many years based on the harder-is-better theory and that had a much smaller effect on my career path.)
When choosing my youngest grandson's preschool, my decision was based almost solely on how close the school was to my house. Teaching styles, materials, parents agonize over this stuff. He is 3. He needs someone who is qualified to prepare a snack he likes, and I need a place I can get to and from in a few minutes. He and I are very happy with the preschool.
Do I have examples of when I made the easy choice and should have it the hard way? You bet! That was actually one of my biggest life lessons. I used to always choose easy over hard, with no consideration for what was best, or more important in the outcome. At some point I realized there are times when the more you put in, the more you get back. Sometimes, the effort is worth it. But sometimes, it is not.
The easy way is just that, easy. It doesn't make it better or worse. There are so many times when we absolutely have to do things the hard way to get where we need to be. Once in awhile, it is my suggestion to consider if the easy way can get you to the same destination.
Whether you choose easy or hard, remember to enjoy the journey.
I should really put some more photos in this post, but that seems way too hard. ;-)