Appreciating the Effort

I. Introduction

One of my favorite hobbies used to be tending to my Nana’s garden. I was overjoyed as the sunflowers grew taller, the rose buds began to bloom, and the grass became full and green. Yet, these things did not happen by accident. I had to put forth effort for the garden to flourish.  

This same principle applies to our lives. Life is truly what you make it. It can be one of positivity, stagnation or even destruction; each one is a choice. A healthy and positive life particularly requires ongoing effort. Once the effort completely stops, that aspect of our life seemingly begins to wilt. 

II. Recognizing Different Types of Effort

Yet, effort is not black and white. During my November Fireside Chat with Abigail Blue titled, “Purpose in Our Effort,” I realized that there are different types of effort, as well as capacities for effort. 

Abigail noted the concept of the “Five Love Languages” which demonstrates that not all effort looks the same. I found this to be brilliant because it reminds us that there may be opportunities to recognize efforts in ways that we have not done so before. For example, tending a garden requires priming, planting, watering, shielding, and cleaning. Those are five different actions which can be taken, and each one significantly contributes to the growth and development of the garden.  

Additionally, not all effort looks the same each day, and that’s okay. Abigail pointed out that each of us have different capacity levels for specific activities, as well as how we show up for life in general. Often times, we expect our own level of effort in other people, which is unrealistic. Each person is balancing multiple aspects of very different lives. Therefore, it is natural for each of us to have moments when we have to pour a little more effort into one area of our life versus another.

However, it is important to remember that effort is not all or nothing, and does not always require an extensive amount of time. If all you can afford to do at that moment is to pick up the fallen leaves around a tree, do that. Doing something is always better than doing nothing; and it truly helps. 

III. An “A” for Effort

Another concept that I grappled with this month is whether all effort is considered good effort. Have you ever given someone an “A” just for showing up? For some time, I struggled with the idea of participation medals. Of course, it feels great to receive one in the moment, but there have also been times when I have asked, “do I really deserve this?” The answer is YES. Showing up for one activity or individual takes a lot of effort, especially as an adult. It may not have been as much effort as what the first-place runner who actually prepared for the race gave, but it still counts. 

Therefore, when we take time to express our praise and gratitude for the effort that we recognize, it makes others feel seen and appreciated. It is also very encouraging and may ultimately cause an exertion of more effort! In other words, give others’ credit for their effort when it is due.

IV. Conclusion

However, keep in mind that effort goes both ways! When was the last time that you gave yourself credit? What was it for? As a two-part challenge, I first encourage you to write down five different areas of your life that you are putting effort into. Second, write down five concrete ways that show your effort into each of those five areas of your life. Make the grass green on YOUR side. There is always time to help your garden grow!