In this post, we’ll unpack all you need to know about the Law Of Reversed Effort, defining exactly what it is, the science behind it, how to leverage it and more.
What Is The Law Of Reversed Effort?
The Law Of Reversed Effort (LORE) states that the more we try to succeed at something, the less we do succeed at it.
For example, it’s why the more we try to remember something, the harder it is to remember, yet the moment we stop trying, we remember. Similarly, the more we try to fall sleep, the harder it is to fall asleep, yet the moment we stop trying, we fall asleep.
The Science
There are two layers to the mind; the conscious mind and the subconscious mind.
The conscious mind is the part of you that gives rise to your free will and allows you to direct your focus and energy. The subconscious mind is the part of you that operates like a program generated by all of your habitual behaviours.
The conscious mind allows you to chose your goals. The subconscious mind aligns you with the behaviours necessary to achieve your goals. The problem occurs when we allow the conscious mind to interfere in that process.
How To Leverage The Law Of Reversed Effort
The key to leveraging The Law Of Reversed Effort is to utilise the conscious mind when determining a goal (the result) and the subconscious mind when pursuing a goal (the process).
In other words, optimal performance requires the paradoxical art of doing and non-doing, of effort and relaxation and of conscious action and subconscious response, also known as the flow state. In the flow state, our actions become fluent. The painter becomes the painting. The musician becomes the music.
As with most things in life, the key is balance.
Summary
The Law Of Reversed Effort states that the more we try to succeed at something, the less we shall succeed at it.
The key to leveraging the LORE is to use the conscious mind when determining a goal and the subconscious mind when pursuing that goal.
There is a marked difference between working hard and trying hard. While working hard will take us far in life, trying hard will not. In short, less is more.
