The addiction of ease

Addictions – rather like unconscious biases, we all have them. Anything from binge watching a favourite TV series, drink and drugs, gambling that leads to a spiral of debt – all can be damaging and have deeper consequences.

In and amongst there’s one that many of us are prone to yet it probably gets little brain time whilst sneaking into every aspect of our lives – the addiction to ease.

Here’s the scenario…a friend suggested the other day that helping create a better world for all requires us to make more conscious ethical choices in what we consume, how and where from. And, of course, this is true.

Yet, a kernel of anxiety began to bloom at the thought of letting go the retail source that delivers almost everything next day with a couple of clicks. Rationally I know I can get the things I need from a variety of sources but I have fallen into the ease of one stop, as have so many.

This isn’t about one retailer though. Our addiction to ease is everywhere and it is often unhelpful.

The workplace is a perfect example – easier to send an email than speak with someone. Easier to let poor behaviour or performance go than give feedback. Easier to do stuff ourselves (at least we’ll know it’s done right) than delegate to someone else and help them develop through the experience. Easier to follow the ‘rules’ than challenge the status quo, asking the questions that will unlock new insight and deliver a better outcome.

I’m not advocating making things difficult – we need aspects of ease in our lives. It is, though, about being conscious in our choices, noticing where we’re falling into the habitual and it’s likely impact, and making sure we’re holding ourselves to account, not just taking the easy way out.