I don't grind anything in ED anymore.
I need rare goods for a few of my engineers. Do I fly backwards and forwards several times to get them?
No, I
try to remember where the goods are, and which engineer they're for, and if I'm passing through that way, I'll pick some up.
Admittedly, I've forgotten about 4 times now. But the point is, I'll get around to it. Lol
I'd like to try out the Federal Corvette.
Do I sit and spam boring missions over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again, for weeks?
No, I do well paid, and/or interesting missions when I see them, and maybe donate the odd credit if they pop up.
I need some Cadmium and other things for an engineer. Do I spend hours driving around doing nothing but hunt for materials?
No, I wait and see if a mission has me landing anywhere, and check the composition of the planet. If it has what I need, I'll drive around after finishing my objective for a little while. Nothing? I'll carry on with my life.
I'd like LYRs pack hounds, I need to be in it for 3 weeks, and then earn rank 3 to get access.
Am I flying around, murdering every enemy I see for merits?
Yes. Because, it's the only way to do PowerPlay.

But I'm dumping that crap as soon as I have what I need.
Grind is self inflicted. It's your choice.