The Secret to Success: How to Master the Art of Doing and Not Doing
Have you ever experienced a situation where the more you try to achieve something, the more it seems to elude you? Maybe you want to fall asleep, but the more you force yourself to relax, the more awake you feel. Maybe you want to impress someone, but the more you try to act cool, the more awkward you become. Maybe you want to score a goal, but the more you focus on your technique, the more likely you are to miss.
These are examples of what some call the law of reversed effort. This is the idea that in some cases, trying too hard can actually backfire and produce the opposite of what we want. It’s a paradoxical phenomenon that challenges our common sense that effort equals success.
What is the law of reversed effort?
The term “law of reversed effort” was coined by the famous writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley. He wrote:
“The harder we try with the conscious will to do something, the less we shall succeed. Proficiency and the results of proficiency come only to those who have learned the paradoxical art of doing and not doing, or combining relaxation with activity, of letting go as a person in order that the immanent and transcendent unknown quantity may take hold.”
Huxley was influenced by Eastern philosophies, especially Daoism, which advocates for a natural and effortless way of living. Daoism teaches that there is a universal force called Dao, which flows through everything and guides everything. By aligning ourselves with the Dao, we can achieve harmony and balance in ourselves and in the world.
One of the key concepts in Daoism is Wu Wei, which literally means “non-action” or “non-doing”. Wu Wei does not mean being passive or lazy, but rather acting spontaneously and intuitively, without forcing or interfering with the natural course of things. Wu Wei is like water, which flows smoothly and adapts to any situation, without losing its essence.
Why does the law of reversed effort work?
There are several possible explanations for why the law of reversed effort works. One is that trying too hard can create anxiety and stress, which can impair our performance and judgment. For example, when we are anxious about falling asleep, we may activate our sympathetic nervous system, which prepares us for fight or flight, rather than our parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and relaxation.
Another explanation is that trying too hard can interfere with our subconscious processes, which are often more efficient and accurate than our conscious ones. For example, when we are learning a new skill, such as riding a bike or playing an instrument, we may rely on explicit instructions and rules at first. But as we practice more and more, these skills become implicit and automatic, and we no longer need to think about them consciously. In fact, thinking about them consciously may disrupt our flow and coordination.
A third explanation is that trying too hard can create attachment and expectation, which can lead to disappointment and frustration. For example, when we are pursuing a goal or a person, we may become obsessed with the outcome and forget about the process and the present moment. We may also create unrealistic standards and scenarios in our minds, which may not match reality. When things don’t go our way, we may feel angry or sad or give up altogether.
How can we apply the law of reversed effort?
The law of reversed effort does not mean that we should stop trying altogether or give up on our goals. It means that we should find a balance between effort and ease, between doing and being, and between control and surrender. Here are some practical ways to apply the law of reversed effort in different situations:
- When you want to fall asleep: Instead of forcing yourself to sleep or worrying about not sleeping enough, try to distract your mind with something relaxing or boring. You can listen to soothing music or sounds, read a book (not on your phone), meditate or breathe deeply.
- When you want to impress someone: Instead of trying to act cool or smart or funny or whatever you think they want you to be, try to be yourself and show genuine interest in them. You can ask them open-ended questions, listen actively, share your opinions and stories.
- When you want to score a goal: Instead of focusing on your technique or the outcome or the pressure from others, try to focus on the ball and your intuition. You can visualize yourself scoring before you take the shot, trust your muscle memory and enjoy the game.
- When you want to achieve a goal: Instead of obsessing over the result or comparing yourself to others or worrying about failure, try to enjoy the journey and celebrate your progress. You can set small and realistic milestones, reward yourself for your efforts and learn from your mistakes.
Conclusion
The law of reversed effort is a paradoxical phenomenon that shows us that sometimes less is more. By letting go of our conscious will and aligning ourselves with the natural flow of things, we may achieve better results than by forcing or interfering with them. This does not mean that we should be passive or lazy but rather spontaneous and intuitive.
As Lao Tzu said:
“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond winning.”
