Shovel or Snowblow?

That time of year in central New York

Dear Dad,

We had our first lake effect snowstorm of the season last week in central New York and Saturday morning a neighbor asked to borrow my snowblower.

My response: “Sure, but I haven’t used it in two years, but feel free to give it a try.”

It’s not a principled stance but a practical one, that highlights a principle. Sometimes the more physically demanding option is most efficient.

The true reason I haven’t used my snowblower lately is that we haven’t had a snowstorm that made it worth the hassle. A moderate snow fall it will take me about 20 minutes to shovel the driveway and another five minutes to scrape off the cars.

Guess how long it takes me to pull the snowblower out of the garage, make sure it has enough gas, yank the cord to ignite the engine in sub-freezing temperatures, crisscross the driveway, make sure snow doesn’t clump and block the chute, and put it back in the garage?…About 20 minutes and another five to scrape off the cars. (Not to mention I’m more likely to be covered in snow and be cold).

For me, using the snowblower saves marginal time if any at all, so I prefer to shovel. It’s much less hassle, but of course a little more physically demanding—which turns out to be an additional benefit. Nothing against the neighbor who moved in last spring and probably hasn’t collected the personal dataset to run a cost-benefit analysis when it comes to shoveling or snowblowing like me, however, it was a helpful example of how quickly and automatically we look to take the physically easier approach.

The law school I attended had one elevator. IT WAS SO SLOW. I could trudge up four floors, easily, before it traveled up one floor. It amazed me that people still waited for it. Not only were there no time savings, there was lost time. Similarly, in a recent study a majority of people admitted to taking an escalator over the stairs when either option is presented.

There are perfectly good reasons to take an escalator or elevator, carrying heavy objects or disability to name a few, but in situations where you are able and there is no clear time savings, why take elevator/escalator over the stairs? The one reason I can think of is the elevator/escalator is physically easier, i.e. laziness.

In a world where movement can nearly be erased from daily living don’t let small, low barrier, movement opportunities pass you by!

1. Take the stairs.

2. Ride a bike

3. Set up your office to ensure regular standing and/or moving (walk to the printer)

4. Use a hand crank can opener rather than automatic.

5. Shovel the driveway.

Of course there are exceptions but make them be exceptions, not the norm. You’ve never been one to support laziness. Go ahead and make additions to the list!

With Love,

JSR