INTRODUCTION
There’s a curious paradox in achieving more by doing less — or even by doing nothing at all. At first glance, this might seem like a strange or impractical idea. After all, we’re often taught that success requires hard work and persistent effort.
However, as we gain more life experience and wisdom, this concept begins to make more sense. The pursuit of happiness and freedom can sometimes feel like a relentless chase, leading to more stress and frustration rather than the desired contentment. This struggle to attain our goals often creates a cycle of tension and effort that ironically keeps us from achieving what we want. This isn’t just a whimsical notion but a recurring theme across various disciplines. From ancient philosophy to modern psychology, many perspectives converge on the idea that less can indeed be more.
By exploring these different viewpoints, we can better understand how a relaxed and effortless approach might actually lead us to greater success and fulfillment.
THE BACKWARDS LAW
Alan Watts, a well-known philosopher, introduced us to the Backwards Law, which suggests a fascinating paradox: the harder we chase after something, the more elusive it can become. Imagine you’re desperately trying to find happiness. The more you strive for it, the more it seems to slip through your fingers. This is because the very act of striving often creates a sense of lack and dissatisfaction, which can push the desired outcome further away.
Watts argued that when we’re fixated on achieving a goal, we inadvertently create resistance and tension, which hinders our progress. For example, if you’re constantly pushing yourself to be successful, that pressure can actually block the natural flow of success.
The Backwards Law implies that by easing up and letting go of intense desire, we align ourselves with a state where success can come more naturally. This relaxed approach allows us to stop fighting against the current and instead flow with it, making it easier to achieve our goals. The less we force things, the more we allow them to happen.
LAW OF REVERSE EFFORT
William James, a prominent psychologist, is known for his Law of Reverse Effort, which states that too much effort can actually hinder our progress. This principle is particularly relevant when we’re trying to master a new skill or achieve a personal goal.
Think about it: the more you strain yourself to learn something, the more frustrated you might become if you don’t see immediate results. This frustration creates resistance, making it even harder to succeed. James observed that when we approach tasks with a sense of ease and relaxation, our natural abilities have a chance to emerge.
The Law of Reverse Effort suggests that by not overexerting ourselves, we can actually make more significant progress. In practical terms, this means that when you let go of the need to constantly push and force outcomes, you create a more favorable environment for success. It’s about finding that sweet spot where effort feels natural rather than forced. By doing so, we allow ourselves to achieve our goals with greater ease and satisfaction.
TAO
Taoism, an ancient philosophy originating in China, teaches us the importance of aligning with the natural flow of the universe. According to Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, we should strive to be like water — fluid, adaptable, and untroubled. Water effortlessly navigates around obstacles, demonstrating the power of yielding rather than resisting.
Taoism emphasizes that forcing outcomes and struggling against the natural order only leads to frustration. Instead, by embracing a more relaxed and flexible approach, we harmonize with the natural flow of life. This idea of "not trying" is central to Taoist philosophy. It’s about finding ease in the process rather than clinging to rigid expectations. When we stop swimming against the current and instead go with the flow, we discover a more harmonious way to achieve our goals.
This approach not only reduces stress but also enhances our overall sense of well-being. By aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms of existence, we create a space where success can emerge naturally.
GESTALT
Gestalt psychology introduces the Paradoxical Theory of Change, which is about achieving personal growth not through forceful efforts but by creating balance and understanding within ourselves. This theory suggests that trying too hard to change can often lead to more frustration and stagnation.
Instead, Gestalt therapy focuses on resolving internal conflicts and addressing subconscious issues. By dealing with sources of frustration and fear, we create a more stable foundation for natural growth. This process highlights that genuine change happens not through pushing ourselves to be different but by fostering an environment of acceptance and balance.
The Paradoxical Theory of Change tells us that when we stop forcing change and instead focus on creating internal harmony, we allow ourselves to evolve naturally. This approach helps in removing barriers to happiness and personal development, making space for true growth to occur. The paradox lies in the fact that by not actively trying to change, we often find ourselves changing in the most profound ways.
STOICISM
Stoicism is the ancient Greek philosophy founded by Xeno of Citium, teaches the value of focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot. According to Stoic principles, much of our stress and dissatisfaction come from our attempts to control things beyond our reach. Stoics advocate for maintaining inner peace by accepting the present moment and letting go of attachments to specific outcomes.
This approach aligns with the idea of "not trying" excessively. By practicing Stoicism, we learn to navigate life’s challenges with a sense of calm and resilience. This philosophy encourages us to let go of the need for constant control and effort, focusing instead on our responses and actions. True contentment and success, according to Stoicism, come from accepting the natural course of events and managing our internal state rather than pushing for external results. Embracing Stoic principles helps us cultivate a mindset that finds freedom and satisfaction in acceptance and rational action.
MANIFESTATION
You can believe in the manifestation, or not, but it is deeply rooted in the most fascinating sciences of all - the Quantum Theory in Physics. Quantum Theory, or Quantum Mechanics, represents one of the most profound and revolutionary areas of modern physics. At its core, Quantum Theory posits that the fundamental building blocks of our universe are not solid objects but are instead dynamic fields of energy. This theory has fundamentally changed our understanding of reality, suggesting that at the quantum level, everything is in a constant state of flux and transformation.
One of the key principles of Quantum Theory is that energy and matter are interchangeable. According to Einstein’s famous equation, energy and mass are two forms of the same thing. This means that matter, which appears solid to us, is essentially energy in a different state. This concept extends to everything in the universe, including our own bodies and minds. Another essential aspect of Quantum Theory is the idea of wave-particle duality. This principle states that particles, such as electrons and photons, exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties depending on how they are observed. This duality implies that particles do not have fixed properties but instead exist in a state of probability until measured. The act of observation itself influences the state of these particles, highlighting the interconnectedness of observer and observed. For more information about this, you might want to read about the Double-Slit Experiment.
Quantum Theory also introduces the concept of quantum entanglement. This phenomenon occurs when particles become interconnected in such a way that the state of one particle instantly influences the state of another, no matter how far apart they are. This implies that everything in the universe is interconnected at a fundamental level, suggesting a universal field of energy that binds all things together.
In the realm of vibration, Quantum Theory tells us that everything vibrates at a certain frequency. This includes not just physical matter but also thoughts and emotions. Everything in the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest cosmic structures, is in constant motion and vibration. These vibrations create energy fields that interact with one another, influencing how matter and energy manifest in our reality.
Manifestation, in the context of Quantum Theory, is deeply connected to the idea of vibration and energy. According to this theory, our thoughts and emotions emit specific frequencies that can attract or repel various experiences and outcomes. When we focus on positive thoughts and feelings, we align our vibrations with the frequencies of what we want to attract, thereby influencing the manifestation of our desires. The principle of resonance is particularly relevant here. Resonance occurs when two systems vibrate at the same frequency, amplifying each other’s effects. Similarly, when our internal vibrations align with the vibrations of our desires, we create a resonance that can facilitate the manifestation of those desires. This means that the energy we put out into the universe can come back to us in the form of corresponding experiences.
Quantum Theory also explores the concept of the observer effect, which states that the act of observing or measuring a quantum system can alter its behavior. This implies that our intentions and focus can directly influence the outcome of situations. In essence, our consciousness and awareness play a crucial role in shaping our reality. In practical terms, this means that when we consciously focus on our goals and maintain a positive mindset, we can influence the quantum field to align with our intentions. The idea of “not trying” comes into play here: when we let go of excessive effort and pressure, we allow our vibrations to align more naturally with our desires. This alignment creates a state of ease that facilitates manifestation.
By contrast, when we force outcomes or approach our goals with desperation, we create resistance. This resistance disrupts the natural flow of energy and can hinder the manifestation process. The energy we emit in a state of desperation tends to be lower in vibration, making it less effective in attracting positive outcomes. The concept of energy fields also supports the idea of “not trying” by emphasizing that our natural state of being has a powerful influence on our experiences. When we are in a state of calm and balance, our energy fields are more coherent and harmonious. This coherence enhances our ability to attract and manifest our desires with less effort.
Quantum Theory’s perspective on probability also relates to “not trying.” According to this view, multiple potential outcomes exist simultaneously until one is realized. By focusing on positive outcomes and maintaining a high vibrational state, we increase the likelihood of those favorable outcomes materializing. This aligns with the idea that effortless manifestation occurs when we are in harmony with our desires.
Additionally, Quantum Theory suggests that the universe operates on principles of non-locality and interconnectedness. This means that our intentions and actions have far-reaching effects beyond our immediate perception. By adopting a mindset of ease and non-striving, we tap into a broader field of potential and influence the universe in more expansive ways.
The concept of quantum superposition further illustrates how “not trying” can be effective. Superposition refers to the idea that particles can exist in multiple states at once until observed. This principle supports the notion that our potential outcomes are not fixed but rather exist in a state of possibility until we align our energy with a specific outcome.
In summary, Quantum Theory provides a scientific framework for understanding how our vibrations and energy influence our reality. By embracing the principle of “not trying” and focusing on maintaining a positive and balanced state, we align our vibrations with our desires and facilitate the manifestation process. This approach leverages the interconnectedness and fluidity of the quantum field, allowing us to achieve our goals with greater ease and effectiveness.
The relationship between Quantum Theory and manifestation underscores the power of our thoughts and intentions in shaping our experiences. By recognizing the impact of our energy and vibrations on the quantum field, we can approach our goals with a sense of harmony and alignment. This understanding empowers us to manifest our desires effortlessly, creating a more fulfilling and balanced reality.
CONCLUSION
We have been lied to. All our life. In my opinion, this whole "work hard, obey, be disciplined...." is yet another elaborate scheme for control and manipulation, and these are well-known games that have been played throughout the history. That does not mean we should sit idle and not do anything. On the contrary, we should learn, be curious about the world around us, explore, work and try to achieve our goals, but not by forcing it or getting to the point where we get anxiety, stress and eventually get sick, because we cannot go any longer. But even that is the part of the grand scheme, that's when the Big Pharma comes "to the rescue", with just enough medications that you don't die but spiral down into being more and more sick that you need more and more medications. Big Pharma....you know, those people who work relentlessly to find a cure for cancer, but they never will, because they are not interested in curing people, they are interested in making money. And they are making a lot of money. But that's a topic for another time.
This short overview summarizes how several very different disciplines explore the same idea of achieving through non-striving, which is a fascinating proof. From the Backwards Law and the Law of Reverse Effort to Taoism, Gestalt psychology, Stoicism, and manifestation theory, the common theme is that less can indeed be more. Each perspective provides valuable insights into how letting go and embracing ease can lead to more genuine and fulfilling achievements. By releasing the need for constant control and effort, we align ourselves with a state of flow that fosters natural success. This approach not only enhances our overall well-being but also allows us to achieve our goals more effortlessly. As we move forward in our pursuits, it’s helpful to remember that sometimes the key to success lies in embracing the art of effortless being. By aligning with the natural rhythms of life and allowing ourselves to flow with ease, we unlock a profound sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Through this understanding, we can navigate our goals with greater clarity and joy, ultimately finding that the less we try to control, the more we achieve.
