We all take shortcuts in life if we can. Shortcuts take less effort, and that saves energy. Saving energy is a positive outcome. An example of the path of least resistance is this:
The principle of least effort is a broad theory that covers diverse fields from evolutionary biology to webpage design. It postulates that animals, people, even well-designed machines will naturally choose the path of least resistance or “effort”. It is closely related to many other similar principles: see Principle of least action or other articles listed below. This is perhaps best known or at least documented among researchers in the field of library and information science. Their principle states that an information-seeking client will tend to use the most convenient search method, in the least exacting mode available. Information seeking behavior stops as soon as minimally acceptable results are found. This theory holds true regardless of the user’s proficiency as a searcher, or their level of subject expertise. Also, this theory takes into account the user’s previous information-seeking experience. The user will use the tools that are most familiar and easy to use that find results. The principle of least effort is known as a “deterministic description of human behavior”.[1] The principle of least effort applies not only in the library context, but also to any information-seeking activity. For example, one might consult a generalist co-worker down the hall rather than a specialist in another building, so long as the generalist’s answers were within the threshold of acceptability.
Recently I’ve been thinking about how to use the path of least resistance to improve my outcomes. I’ve started running more because I decided to run at home instead of the gym. Guess what, my home is on a hill so it’s easier to get started running downhill. As a result, I’ve increased the amount of running I do overall. The path of least resistance gets a bad rap because we grow up thinking laziness is a bad habit. Were rewarded for hard work. But that idea doesn’t necessarily have to be true all the time. Just take a look around you, or at yourself, to see that the path of least resistance is a powerful tool that we all use. Figure out how to use it to improve your outcomes, don’t fight against it.