The Effort Fallacy: Why Easy Can Be Extraordinary

When we think about achievements, growth, and goals, the usual advice pops up: “Step out of your comfort zone,” “Make the hard choice,” “Don’t shy away from challenges,” and so on.

And don’t get me wrong—there’s a lot of value in pushing boundaries and embracing the tough path. I’m all in!

But here’s something I’ve been rethinking lately—a belief many of us hold as truth (myself included, until not too long ago). It’s something I feel like stirring some conversation around:

“If something is hard to achieve, it’s valuable. If something comes easily, it can’t possibly be worthwhile.”

Sound familiar?

• Have you ever brushed off praise, thinking, “It was no big deal”?
• Told yourself, “I’m being lazy,” when the work feels effortless?
• Felt like you were cheating because what you’re doing seems too easy?
• Thought, “I should be doing something harder”?

If so, you’re not alone. My answers? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

What about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Now, where are these thoughts stemming from? Well, that’s a question for ...your therapist ??. But I’d like to offer a fresh perspective:

Easy isn’t automatically worthless or bad. “Good Easy” exists.

Let me break it down:

• Easy is personal: What’s easy for you might be hard for someone else, and vice versa. (Unless you’re Chuck Norris—then everything is easy. ??)

Next time someone compliments you for something that felt effortless, pause. Their appreciation is real because, for them, what you did is valuable and isn’t easy.

• Easy is just one dimension: Sure, it’s easy for you—but is it also fulfilling? Enjoyable? Rewarding?

If the answer is yes, then why dismiss it? Imagine this: You’re doing work that feels natural, you genuinely love it, and it’s bringing value—not just to you but to others. Maybe it even supports a good living. Sounds like the dream, right?

But then those nagging thoughts creep in: “It’s too easy. Something’s off. I’m slacking. I’ll be found out.”

Before you let those doubts take over, let me offer a different perspective: There’s “good easy” and “bad easy.” (Just like there’s “good difficult” and “bad difficult”, bit I will leave this for another post)

The key is figuring out where your work lands, and if it is in the “Good Easy” area start embracing it!

I find visuals like the above helpful. But if you’re into frameworks, let me introduce you to a framework I picked up from Gay Hendricks’ 2009 book, The Big Leap that is related to this topic. In his book, Hendricks outlines four zones we operate in:

Zone of Incompetence This is where you’re doing tasks you’re simply not good at—and let’s be honest, someone else could probably do them better (and faster). Spending too much time here leads to frustration and inefficiency.

Zone of Competence Here, you’re capable of handling the work, but there’s nothing special about it. It’s fine, but not fulfilling, and others could do it just as well as you.

Zone of Excellence This is your sweet spot—where you’re highly skilled, others recognize your talent, and you’re probably achieving great results. But it’s also a potential trap. Staying here feels safe and successful, yet it may prevent you from stepping into your Zone of Genius, where your truest potential lies. Hendricks warns that staying too long in this zone can lead to stagnation, burnout, and a sense of unfulfillment, as you settle for "good" instead of reaching for "great." Many people here also experience what he calls the Upper Limit Problem, where they unconsciously sabotage greater success due to fear or self-doubt.

Zone of Genius This is where you thrive. It’s the work that lights you up, feels effortless yet impactful, and taps into your unique abilities. When you operate here, you’re not just successful—you’re deeply fulfilled and living your purpose.

Most successful people hang out in their Zone of Excellence, but truly thriving individuals spend most of their time in their Zone of Genius.

So, here’s my question: Which zone do you operate in most of the time? What’s your Zone of Genius?

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

And if you want some help to lean into your natural abilities with confidence, let’s talk. Get in touch for a free call or send me a message to start the conversation.

(Disclaimer: While I found The Big Leap and its framework insightful, it does get a little too “new age” for my taste. Fair warning!)

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