[ngriffiths]

There's a certain kind of work that's productive and doesn't take much "effort," at least not in the sense of that super annoying voice in your head that says "I really should focus... I didn't get much done yesterday, gotta make up for it now! Other people are working, look at how smart and productive they are! I need coffee, just one coffee then I'll have enough energy to do this."

Used to happen all the time playing piano in a concert or just an intense practice session. I'd notice that I had been incredibly focused, shockingly focused, like my brain had decided this random sound making activity was its One True Purpose and if it didn't work hard enough it would probably shrivel up and die. And thinking back it hadn't felt strenuous, it felt weirdly calm in the moment, but I think "ease" is totally the wrong word here. It was obvious that I had been working extremely hard, it was as intense as it was calming (? somehow?), and after I'd be totally exhausted.

I think the article really means "what if hard work didn't feel incredibly annoying at the same time?"

On the other hand there's "what if work that feels relaxing isn't also nearly useless"? Because there's a great way to make hard work feel easy, which is to just stop worrying, man. Take it one step at a time, it's probably the right step. There's no rush, slow down, you'll probably get there at the same time as you would by stressing yourself out and stopping for more coffee all the time. Here, use this easy framework...