Manuscript Monday: The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard

On this week's Manuscript Monday Meredith recommends "The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard" by Ollivier Pourriol

Don’t be fooled by the title. This is not a self-help book. This is a philosophy book. It doesn’t ask you to do anything.  Instead Pourriol lays out a pretty compelling argument for resisting less and going with the flow more. Why scrub a pan now if it will wipe clean easily after being soaked?

While reading this book I found myself enjoying the moment, multitasking less, and being more present. Pourriol questions the 10,000 hour rule of mastery, and discusses the phenomenon of grace in sport & music. While reading this book I wanted to go with the flow, existing within my surroundings, like a surfer on a wave, rather than pushing harder when I encountered resistance.

It was a relaxing read and a refreshing reminder—sometimes life can be better by trying less, not trying harder.