The Law of Reverse Effect

Notes

Claim

When we focus on the results, we won't achieve them. Instead, we have to focus on the experience of our actions, or better yet—let go of trying to be an observer and just be present.

Explanation

This concept is an embodiment Achieve more by not resisting or "the way" of Eastern Philosophy.

We can't overpower our mind to think that we can set goals yet not focus on them. To try and control your mind is usually an attempt doomed from the start mental control paradox—like trying not to think about an elephant; the mind does as it is programmed to; it is not listening to us.

This law is also true in reverse—somethings are only achieved by their opposites.

Why it matters

Setting goals takes away our focus from where it should be, which is the life we live right now, the way we behave right now. The present is what matters. We need to Focusing on process and consistency yields better results than obsessing over outcomes, and the results will flow by themselves. A person who focused on doing a good job will be rewarded and promoted much more than those who only care about the promotion.

When it comes to fields of creativity, not only will trying to "force" creativity out of us likely result in writer's block; it is also essential to let our mind rest in order for creativity to be generated. Diffuse mode

By being vulnerable we show power. By letting go we allow others to be closer to us. Democracies give up on control to have a stronger government. By being not extremist in your beliefs, you are representing a more true version of those beliefs.

Examples

We get stressed out in tests because we really want to succeed. Therefore, it is not a surprise that we are more likely to perform worse compared to our training. Instead of giving our complete Focus is concentrated cognitive effort that maximizes performance on a single task to what we are trying to accomplish, we are too focused on "what ifs", thinking about the future Focus on what you can do next not what went wrong, about what we are trying to achieve, leaving little for the actual test. We are both distracted and stressed.

The more "true" you are trying to be by a certain ideology or belief, or in simpler terms, the more "extreme" you are, not only do you affect your chances to be understood and come to an agreement with the other side; you are even more destructive to your own belief!

For example, a person who is deeply patriotic will want to do everything in order to protect his nation and fellow citizens. At first, it might start with tougher measures towards immigrants, then perhaps criminals, then those who oppose him politically, and lastly all those who are not "willing to do what it takes" in order to protect the nation.

But if all those people are his enemies, who is left of his nation? Who is he trying to protect? By being extremist, not only does he hurt people, but also he fails to fulfill his own purpose.

Supporters

Opposers

Open questions

Visual

Overview

🔼Topic:: Acceptance and Effortless Action ◀Origin:: Einzelganger 🔗Link:: Link