There Aren't Answers To Everything

Chapter 4 - What is true effort?

True effort comes in many forms. It can be from small gestures, like a hug or a compliment, or it can be large, like a magical picnic in the park with fairy lights. But to narrow it down, what is true effort?

True effort isn't always between two people in a relationship, or people who know each other. Sometimes effort can be in the oddest of places.

I often find myself thinking as I walk between places, guessing where other people are about to walk, how I can move to get out of their path. That is one way of using effort.

Effort is not always about doing things other people notice, it doesn't have to be appreciated by others to be a great form of effort.

Simple things like moving out of someone's way or holding the door for the next person can largley impact someone's life without them realising. To be that person using effort in everyday life, you'll feel giving and appreciate life a little more. Although others may not notice all the effort you give, you know, and that is the most important thing.

True effort is about knowing personally that it's effort. If someone does something nice for you, realising it makes it true effort. If you immediately see it and think how lovely it is, that is true effort. If you do something for someone and watch them walk away as if they never knew, that's ok. As long as you know, it doesn't matter how you pass by others.

However, as well as doing good things for others, one of the best feelings is when someone puts the effort in for you.

In this modern society, it can be difficult to see what effort is. We naturally expect certain things from the world, and therefore lack appreciation in our daily lives.

But when you take notice of things, it can make ones day. Admittedly, some forms of effort are greater than others, but all effort can be appreciated in some way.

If you want to truly put effort into making someone happy, let them see that you are trying. Do something for them and for you, something you've never tried before that they like, or a totally new thing both of you can learn from.

But true effort doesn't have to come in huge packages. The definition of effort is "A vigorous or determined attempt". This means that although it may not be perfect in conclusion, the thought and attempt counts for something.

But true effort sometimes needs more than that. In every relationship, it is important that you put effort in for each other, you make the other your priority, you show everyday your love for one another. It is important to know your significant other, and be spontaneous as to when you choose to surprise them.

Keeping relationships alive is so important in our world. In reality, humans can't live on their own all the time. Not only do we need others, but we crave company and acquaintances between social groups.

And as easy as that can be, holding onto an important person should never be an easy task.

If you want someone in your life to stay in it, showing their importance and worth is a high priority. Whether that's through words or actions is inevitable. However you choose to show appreciation for someone, make sure they know that's you've used true effort.

True effort also comes through these actions of appreciation, and the natural ways we communicate with others. It is not always about trying, purposely doing something. Sometimes it is an occurrence which we do not choose, we take on this task without knowing we have. And either way is good, as long as you know it is true effort.

Make sure that in life, you are appreciated. Know when someone does not understand your worth.

Without a sense of worth there is no need for effort. Without appreciation there is no need for continuing the way you are.

I think that in life, one must appreciate, and be appreciated, at the same level. Someone who does not appreciate you, as much as you appreciate them, does not deserve your time.

The way life should work is we find people, and those who should be with us put in a true effort to keep you around, to help you out, and encourage you to return the favor. If someone does not make things equal, there is no equal.

Just remember, life is precious. Don't allow someone else's lack of effort run your life. If it's not good enough, stand up for it and say something. Stand your ground. Make a noise.

So, what is true effort? Well, true effort is a gift, a gift never underappreciated. Never forgotten.