We explain what effort is, its relationship with dedication, willpower and why it is a value. Also, the effort in physics.
What is effort?
By the word effort it is possible to understand different things, all linked to the notion of strength, which is included in its etymological origin: “effort” comes from the union of two Latin words: the prefix ex- (“outwards”) and fortis (“strong”). So the effort consists of manifesting strength, that is, putting in effort, channel physical, mental, or emotional forces toward achieving a goal.
Thus, we make a physical effort when we push a piece of furniture to move it, but we also make an effort when we endure a situation that is uncomfortable for us. Hence this word can be applied, figuratively, to any possible scenario, always referring to the concentration of our forces to achieve something that we have set out to achieve.
Logically, effort comes from the verb strive, linked to force, since they are verbs derived from the notion of force. In some cases, effort can be used as a synonym for “attempt.”
See also: Perseverance
Effort as value
The idea that in life we must strive to get what we want, that is, that we must work on what we want to achieve, is a key value shared to a greater or lesser extent by all cultures.
Its foundation is that nothing in life is free, but that we must strive in some way to obtain it, and that also Those things obtained through effort are much more valued than those things obtained easilysince they come to represent the fruit of the total of our work.
In fact, In many religions, effort and dedication are rewarded by divinity or they constitute the path to approach God, while in others it constitutes part of the divine punishment of humanity, as occurs in the biblical Old Testament, in which Adam and Eve, the first human beings, are punished by God with work, pain and death.
Effort and dedication
It is common to hear these two terms – effort and dedication – called together. This is because They form a duo that is highly valued culturally and to which the achievement of any goal is attributed. It is vital that we set our minds to it: if we channel our forces towards it (effort) and invest time in achieving it (dedication), we will most likely be successful.
Thus, effort is understood as the concentration of forces (physical or mental), while Dedication translates into the sustained investment of time in achieving something.
Although together they are key to success, it is possible that they manifest themselves separately: a person can dedicate themselves to a task, that is, invest hours in it, but at the same time dedicate the minimum possible effort, that is, spend a lot of time but invest very little energy. Or the opposite: you can invest a lot of effort in said activity, but do it so sporadically that the results take a long time to achieve.
effort in physics
In the field of physics, a science that studies the forces and energies of the natural world, the notion of effort is different, particular. On some occasions can be used as a synonym for work (W): the ability of a force to generate a displacement in a body in the same direction, once a necessary amount of energy has been applied to it.
In other cases, the Stresses (plural) are the set of internal forces that try to hold a body together.that is, those that keep the particles together and in balance. These forces are also called stresses. There are, therefore, traction, compression, bending, torsion or shear stresses, which resist movements of each of these types, promoting the cohesion of the matter.
Willpower
Willpower It is the ability to organize and channel one's own behavior, in such a way as to sustain attitudes or activities over time. that may be unpleasant or uncomfortable, but that in the long term will bear important fruits. Willpower is key in achieving goals, since without it it is very difficult to sustain the effort over time, that is, to have dedication.
Continue with: Proactive
References
- “Effort” in Wikipedia.
- “Effort” in the Language Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Efforts” in the Junta de Galicia (Spain).
- “Effort or dedication?” by Jaume Martínez.
- “Small explanation about the word Effort” in Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
