The Paradox of Effort: Why Trying Too Hard Can Hold You Back
- Fuh-mi
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
The Paradox of Effort: Lessons from Tsukahara Bokuden
There’s a well-known story about Tsukahara Bokuden, a legendary Japanese swordmaster from the 16th century.
A young man visited him and asked:
“If I train diligently, how many years until I master the art?”“
Five years,” Bokuden replied.
“What if I train day and night, forgetting food and sleep?”
“Then it will take ten years.”
“What if I give it everything body and soul, like my life depends on it?”
“In that case, it may take a lifetime—or never.”
Why Overexertion Blocks True Mastery
The lesson?
This reflects the paradox of effort—how overexertion, attachment, and the obsession with quick results can block true mastery. Whether in martial arts, calligraphy, or business, the harder you push, the more your efforts may tighten and distort your natural flow.
In calligraphy, I’ve experienced this firsthand. The moment I try to “write well,” my brush stiffens. But when I let go and move with the moment, the line comes alive.
Effort Ruins People: A Surprising Perspective
When I used to work at a university, I once heard a student—captain of one of the largest sports clubs on campus—say:
“Effort ruins people.”
At the time, it was just a funny and outrageous remark. But strangely, in a moment of personal frustration years later, that line popped into my head—and it brought me peace. (He may have been onto something.)
💡 Sometimes, the best progress comes when we stop trying so hard.
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