Seeking Change? Use The Minimal Viable Effort Approach

Minimal Viable Effort (MVE) is the minimal effort we can take to achieve the greatest possible outcome. Viable is the key word here.

This is a great way to approach not only change but anything we do in life. It aligns closely with Pareto’s principle or the 80/20 rule – I wrote an article on this sometime aback that you can review here.

First of all, minimal viable effort is not about doing things half-heartedly or simply with minimal effort. It is about achieving the best result without overwhelm, unnecessary effort or waste.

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This is important when we are starting out with anything new as it means we will more likely sustain and equally important as it relates to us getting started. Complexity and difficulty often prevent action.

Most of us have a tendency to overcomplicate things. Why? Because we have been taught to believe that the harder we work, the more effort we exert, the greater the outcome. More is not always better. And yes, hard work matters but purpose is also a part to this equation.

If what we must do is difficult or complicated, we will be less inclined to get started and more inclined to give up in the eye of adversity. If the perceived reward is less enticing than the effort required to act, we will favour the easier more pleasurable option.

The longer away the reward is from being achieved the more plausible this becomes. It is hard to appreciate positive outcomes that are long-term. A reason most of us stick to doing what we know and avoid change and even avoid living a life we love. Certainty over uncertainty is desirable.

When we make what we do easy, practical, convenient and possible to achieve, great results are had. This is the benefit of approaching what we do with minimal viable effort. Again, it is not about taking short-cuts.

Because everything we do varies in regards to the level of intensity, effort, complexity and time so will the MVE approach. The MVE has a direct relationship to the task at hand. What is the MVE that can be applied to a particular task?

What will bring the greatest results with the minimal possible effort? What is the best approach to get from point A to point B that will ensure you start, persevere and achieve a desirable outcome?

When starting out with something new making the result appear easy, convenient and possible to achieve will assist you to progress. When you achieve it, up the effort, up the intensity and up the rewards.

In life, how do you truly wish to be? What can you do today with the minimal viable effort to start living it?

Life is all in the process. Overcomplicate the process and we overcomplicate life and that is sure to have impact on our freedom, fulfilment and happiness.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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