Lessons learned from a giant backpack

When it comes to obstacles in life, quick fixes aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. So keep putting one foot in front of the other. Take your time. And steer clear of those who peddle band-aid solutions.

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They say slow and steady wins the race. And studies appear to back that up, showing that although quick-fix wellness interventions can make a difference, longer-term approaches tend to lead to more substantial and sustained improvements.

For example, the Journal of the American Heart Association published a study in 2023 that compared various weight-loss strategies. The findings show that focusing on healthy eating and physical activity over the long haul leads to greater — and more sustained — weight loss than fad diets or pills.

Reflection questions

1. What does “taking a shortcut” mean to you in the context of personal growth or resilience?
   
2. Can you share a time when taking a shortcut backfired? What did you learn from that experience?
   
3. Why do you think we’re often tempted to take shortcuts, especially when we’re under stress or facing obstacles?
   
4. Have you ever seen someone take the longer, harder path and come out stronger for it? What stood out to you?
   
5. How do shortcuts affect long-term resilience, especially in areas like career, health or relationships?
   
6. What’s the difference between being efficient and cutting corners? How can you tell the difference in the moment?
   
7. In what areas of your life are you most tempted to look for shortcuts — and how do you manage that temptation?
   
8. How can the process of doing something the “long way” build mental toughness or emotional strength?
   
9. Do you believe every shortcut is bad? Are there times when taking one is the resilient or wise choice? Why or why not?
   
10. What advice would you give to someone younger or less experienced about the value of patience and persistence over shortcuts?

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Turn ideas into action with these suggested activities from our Resilience Toolbox.

More modules

Module 1. Making your own luck: Lessons learned from a coin flip

Module 2. Improving adaptability: Lessons learned from an absurd Christmas tree

Module 3. Embracing teamwork: Lessons learned from a rogue haybale

Module 4. Leveraging tools: Lessons learned from a poorly chosen sledgehammer

Module 5. Learning humility: Lessons learned from a very brief career as a valet

Module 6. Failing forward: Lessons learned from banshee babies and buttered butts

Module 7. Avoiding shortcuts: Lessons learned from a giant backpack

Module 8. Redefining success: Lessons learned from an idiotic bet

Module 9. Letting go: Lessons learned from a gooey pit of clay

Module 10. Taking responsibility: Lessons learned from trying to catch a train

Module 11. Getting creative: Lessons learned from the toboggan hill

Module 12. Fuelling motivation: Lessons learned from sleeping in a barn

Module 13. Handing over control: Lessons learned from riding in a shopping cart

Module 14. Practising gratitude: Lessons learned from a very special list

Module 15. Prioritizing self-care: Lessons learned from a surprise birthday celebration in the hospital

Module 16. Creating lasting change: Lessons learned from life’s awesome and absurd moments