An effective spiritual path is one that leads to liberation from suffering. The awakening in which it culminates is based on an accurate understanding of reality and a freedom from the disturbing emotions and obscurations caused by ignorance. We don’t need to give up what is good in our life, but to abandon the causes of suffering, to which we are so often attached. In following any path, there is no need to get stressed over what seems like a never ending series of books, commentaries and teachings on any particular path. We just need to master the specific knowledge that will enable us to get free from the cycle of lives conditioned by ignorance and pain. Ultimately, any lasting benefit of a spiritual path must not only improve our own lives, but that of others as well.
A structured path is the most beneficial because it takes into account the gradual nature of inner transformation. Each step leads naturally to the next. If is like building a house; you cannot put the roof on without having laid the foundation, raised the walls, and installed the timbers.
My teachers told me to pick a practice and stick with it...which I have but I also love to study and get to know the formulas each tradition has developed.