Effort Justification - & How to Deal With It...

 

Recently I engaged in an expensive venture which I committed to even though I had misgivings and then recommitted to despite nagging doubts in the hope that it would come up roses for me. It didn't. I had engaged in something called Effort Justification.

Effort Justification is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals rationalise their commitment to something by exaggerating its value or importance, even in the face of negative outcomes or dissatisfaction. 

In the context of marriage, effort justification can lead individuals to stay in relationships that may not be fulfilling or healthy. When people invest significant time, energy, and emotion into a marriage, they might convince themselves that the relationship is better than it actually is. They might downplay or ignore issues, attributing their sacrifices to the idea that their efforts make the relationship more valuable, thus justifying their commitment.

Likewise, if someone invests years into pursuing a particular career path, they may resist acknowledging their dissatisfaction or lack of success. This could stem from the belief that the immense effort they've poured into their chosen career validates their choices. Such individuals might ignore alternative paths that could lead to greater happiness and fulfillment, adhering to their current path due to the principle of effort justification.

This may explain why people stay in roles that don't align with their aspirations or skills. When individuals invest time and energy into a job, they may overlook dissatisfaction, low job satisfaction, or lack of growth opportunities. They convince themselves that the effort they're putting in validates their choice, even if the job doesn't bring them the desired fulfillment.

People may stay in unsatisfying friendships or romantic relationships because they've invested substantial emotional energy and time. They might believe that their effort to maintain the relationship enhances its value, ignoring warning signs and negative aspects. This mindset can prolong toxic or unfulfilling connections that could be hindering personal growth and well-being.

Effort justification is a psychological mechanism that arises from the desire to avoid cognitive dissonance – the discomfort that arises when our beliefs and actions are in conflict. By magnifying the value of what we've invested in, we create a sense of harmony within ourselves. This tendency can prevent us from making healthier choices that align with our genuine preferences and needs.

A certain amount of courage and accountability is required to deal with this. It may be with the help of a trusted advisor, or a coach. Sometimes having someone who is willing to ask the hard questions is the best way to come to terms with Effort Justification.