Lately, I’ve encountered a word that’s been rubbing me the wrong way: effort. And you might wonder why. Well, it comes up whenever someone talks to me about tackling a task. They’ll say things like, “I need to make an effort to get this done,” or “It’s going to take a lot of effort.” But to me, this idea of “making an effort” feels heavy, almost like a looming obstacle. It implies something that’s difficult, draining, and uncertain. So, I decided to dig a little deeper into what the word really means.
Effort
Effort (noun): A vigorous or determined attempt.
Synonyms: Attempt, try, endeavor, seek, exert oneself, struggle.
Effort is all about trying. But here’s where the problem lies for me: when you say you’re trying, you’re implying that there’s a possibility you won’t succeed. You’re creating a mental space where failure becomes an option. Think about it. You don’t say, “I’m going to attempt to drink water.” You either drink it or you don’t. Telling yourself to “make an effort” signals to your brain that success isn’t guaranteed and that maybe, just maybe, you won’t complete the task at hand. This framing is subtle but can affect how we approach our goals, leading us to struggle more than necessary.
Now, let’s contrast that with a word that carries an entirely different energy:
Dedication
Dedication (noun): The quality of being committed to a task or purpose.
Synonyms: Commitment, perseverance, diligence, wholeheartedness, resoluteness.
Dedication is about committing to the outcome. It’s not about “trying”—it’s about doing. When you’re dedicated, you’ve already decided that success is the only option. The focus shifts from the struggle to the outcome, from effort to completion. Isn’t that so much more powerful?
The words we choose can shape the way we perceive and approach challenges. Saying “I’m making an effort” versus “I’m dedicating myself” creates two very different mindsets. Effort hints at resistance and uncertainty, while dedication speaks of commitment and forward momentum.
Why Dedication Works Better Than Effort
When you frame your actions as effort, you’re often focused on the difficulty of the task, making it feel larger and more daunting than it really is. But with dedication, you remind yourself that you’ve already committed to seeing it through. This not only lightens the emotional load but also transforms your attitude toward the work.
• Effort says, “I’ll try, but I might fail.”
• Dedication says, “I’m doing this, no matter what.”
A Practical Shift in Mindset
Next time you’re facing a challenging task or struggling with procrastination, notice the language you’re using. Instead of telling yourself, “I need to make an effort to get this done,” try reframing it to, “I’m dedicating myself to this task.”
This simple shift can change how you feel about the work. It removes the pressure of effort and replaces it with purpose. The act of dedication comes from within, giving you control over the situation. You’re no longer trying—you’re committed.
Ultimately, it’s not just about getting things done; it’s about how you approach them. So, let’s retire the idea of making an effort and embrace dedication instead. It’s a small change that can lead to big results.