The Backwards Law: Stop Trying And You'll Get Anything You Desire
Summary
TLDRThe video script explores the concept of the 'Backwards Law' from Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the counterintuitive idea that striving too hard for a goal can lead to negative outcomes. It discusses the importance of balance, self-reflection, and understanding our true desires and motivations. The script highlights the teachings of Alan Watts and Schopenhauer, suggesting that happiness and success come from letting go and focusing on the process rather than the end goal. It also touches on managing anxiety and entering a 'flow state' by relinquishing excessive conscious control, advocating for mindfulness and presence in the moment as pathways to a fulfilling life.
Takeaways
- ๐ฏ The script discusses the paradoxical nature of striving for success and happiness, suggesting that too much effort can lead to negative emotions and a gap between our current state and our goals.
- ๐ The 'backwards law' from Zen Buddhism, popularized by Alan Watts, posits that the more we try to achieve something, the more elusive it becomes, advocating for a balance between effort and letting things unfold naturally.
- ๐ง The concept of the 'backwards law' encourages introspection to understand our true desires and motivations, rather than blindly pursuing superficial goals.
- ๐ญ The script challenges the common belief that happiness is solely the result of achieving specific goals, suggesting that letting go and being present can lead to greater happiness.
- ๐คฏ It highlights that anxiety is often a result of attempting to exert control over our environment and emotions, and that relinquishing control can lead to self-acceptance and peace of mind.
- ๐ธ The idea that wealth is a mental state is emphasized, with the script noting that the more one tries to feel wealthy, the poorer they may feel, regardless of actual financial status.
- ๐ The script suggests that focusing on self-discovery rather than chasing love can create an environment where love can naturally flow towards us.
- ๐๏ธ Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophy is introduced, which argues that the endless pursuit of desires is irrational and the root of human suffering, advocating for detachment from the 'will to live'.
- ๐ฎ The importance of aligning desire with imagination for effective goal achievement is discussed, noting that belief in the possibility of achieving a goal is paramount.
- ๐งโโ๏ธ The script touches on the power of the subconscious mind, as highlighted by Napoleon Hill and Joseph Murphy, and how our beliefs and visualizations can shape our reality.
- ๐ It concludes with the idea of embracing the 'flow state', where actions become effortless and intuitive, suggesting that letting go of excessive conscious control can enhance performance and well-being.
Q & A
What is the concept of the 'backwards law' as discussed in the script?
-The 'backwards law' is a principle derived from Zen Buddhism, which suggests that the more you strive for something, the more negative outcomes you may experience or the worse you may feel. It encourages individuals to seek deeper meaning and fulfillment rather than simply pursuing worldly achievements, and to find balance by recognizing when too much striving can be counterproductive.
How does the script relate the backwards law to the teachings of Alan Watts?
-Alan Watts, an English writer, theologian, and speaker, is credited with spreading the principles of Eastern philosophies, including the backwards law, to the Western audience. He simplified the concept by stating that the more you try to hold onto something, the more it slips away, emphasizing the idea of letting go and allowing things to unfold naturally.
What is the correlation between the backwards law and the wisdom of Epicurus?
-The script correlates the backwards law with the wisdom of Epicurus by suggesting that to be rich, one should not add to their money but subtract from their desires. This implies that reducing one's desires can lead to a richer experience, which aligns with the backwards law's idea of letting go of excessive striving.
How does the script discuss the pursuit of happiness in relation to the backwards law?
-The script challenges the common belief that happiness is attainable only through the achievement of specific goals. It suggests that constant seeking can be counterproductive and that a state of simply letting go and experiencing happiness without any particular motive can lead to higher levels of happiness.
What role does anxiety play in the context of the backwards law?
-According to the script, anxiety is primarily triggered by our attempts to exert control over our surroundings. By relinquishing control and cultivating self-acceptance, we can move closer towards attaining peace of mind, which aligns with the backwards law's encouragement to let go of excessive control.
How does the script interpret wealth in the context of the backwards law?
-The script interprets wealth as a mental state rather than a material one. It suggests that the more one tries to be wealthy, the poorer they will feel, regardless of their actual financial status. True wealth comes from letting go of the desire for wealth and focusing on the process that leads to success.
What is the significance of self-discovery in relation to love according to the script?
-The script suggests that shifting focus from chasing love to self-discovery creates a conducive environment for love to flow towards us. Knowing ourselves and our core values helps us identify the type of love that best aligns with our needs and desires.
How does Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophy relate to the concept of the backwards law?
-Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophy argues that the human tendency to seek more to satisfy desires while perpetuating those desires is irrational. This unfettered striving is the cause of all human suffering and can never be fully satisfied, leading to perpetual dissatisfaction. This aligns with the backwards law's principle of letting go of excessive desire.
What is the role of affirmations in utilizing the backwards law effectively?
-Affirmations can be used to effectively utilize the backwards law, but they must be in alignment with one's current beliefs. If the affirmation contradicts one's belief system, the conscious mind will resist the new belief, and it will not penetrate the subconscious, failing to bring about the desired outcome.
How does the script discuss the importance of desire and imagination in achieving goals?
-The script emphasizes the importance of aligning desire with imagination for achieving optimal results. It suggests that excessive focus on the desire alone can impede progress, and both desire and imagination must be harmoniously synchronized to leverage the law of reversed effort successfully.
What is the significance of the subconscious mind in the context of the backwards law?
-The subconscious mind is crucial in the context of the backwards law as it is responsible for 95% of our thoughts and actions. By focusing on the process and aligning actions with the goal, one can condition the subconscious mind for growth and abundance, rather than a fixed mindset of scarcity.
How does the script explain the concept of the 'flow state' and its relation to the backwards law?
-The 'flow state' is described as a state where actions happen effortlessly, as if the body is on autopilot. It is often experienced by high-performing individuals who have spent significant mental and physical practice. The script suggests that relinquishing excessive conscious control is vital to entering the flow state, which aligns with the backwards law's principle of letting go and allowing things to unfold naturally.
What advice does the script offer for living a fulfilling and purposeful existence?
-The script advises living fully in the present moment, being mindful of thoughts, actions, and surroundings, and using this heightened awareness to understand strengths and weaknesses. By setting and achieving goals that align with one's vision for the future, and making choices that reflect this vision, one can create a fulfilling and purposeful existence.
Outlines
๐ The Paradox of Desire and Effort
This paragraph explores the concept of the 'backwards law,' which suggests that striving too hard for a goal can lead to negative emotions and a sense of dissatisfaction. It contrasts this with the common belief that hard work and effort yield success and happiness. The principle encourages introspection to understand our true desires and motivations, rather than just pursuing superficial goals. It emphasizes balance, recognizing when too much striving can be counterproductive, and the importance of letting things unfold naturally. The paragraph also introduces Alan Watts, who contributed to the understanding of Eastern philosophies in the West, and his interpretation of the backwards law, which advises to focus less on trying to hold onto something and more on understanding what we truly want.
๐ธ The Illusion of Wealth and Control
The second paragraph delves into the idea that focusing on wealth and love can lead to a feeling of deprivation and a lack of fulfillment. It discusses the philosophical views of Arthur Schopenhauer, who believed that the human desire for more is insatiable and leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. The paragraph suggests that by shifting our focus from chasing these superficial goals to self-discovery and self-acceptance, we can create a more conducive environment for them to naturally flow towards us. It also touches on the importance of affirmations and aligning our actions with our goals, as well as the role of the subconscious mind in achieving success, as highlighted by Napoleon Hill and Joseph Murphy.
๐งโโ๏ธ The Power of the Subconscious Mind
This paragraph examines the role of the subconscious mind in shaping our actions and beliefs. It uses the analogy of walking on a plank to illustrate how our desire and imagination can either facilitate or hinder our ability to perform tasks. The text emphasizes the importance of being present and managing anticipatory anxiety through mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies. It also discusses the concept of the 'flow state,' where actions become effortless and intuitive, and how overthinking can disrupt this state. The paragraph concludes with the idea that by relinquishing excessive conscious control, we can allow our subconscious to guide us towards optimal performance and decision-making.
๐ผ Embracing the Present for True Happiness
The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of anxious dependence on the future. It suggests that by doing so, we can improve our relationships, feel more rested, and become more focused. The text encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, which can help us understand our strengths and weaknesses and make better decisions. It concludes by stating that by staying present and intentional in our daily lives, we can create a fulfilling and purposeful existence, aligning our actions with our long-term vision for the future.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กPositive Experience
๐กNegative Experience
๐กBackwards Law
๐กAlan Watts
๐กDesire
๐กHappiness
๐กAnxiety
๐กWealth
๐กSchopenhauer
๐กSubconscious Mind
๐กFlow State
๐กMindfulness
Highlights
The concept of the 'backwards law' suggests that striving too hard for a goal can lead to negative outcomes and that sometimes it's better to let things unfold naturally.
Alan Watts is credited with popularizing the 'backwards law' in the Western world, emphasizing the importance of balance and recognizing when too much striving can be counterproductive.
The 'backwards law' encourages seeking deeper meaning and fulfillment rather than simply pursuing worldly achievements.
The pursuit of happiness through constant seeking can be counterproductive, suggesting that letting go and experiencing happiness without a specific motive can lead to higher levels of happiness.
Anxiety is often triggered by attempts to exert control over our surroundings, and relinquishing control can cultivate self-acceptance and peace of mind.
True wealth is a mental state, and the more one tries to be wealthy, the poorer they may feel, regardless of actual wealth.
Shifting focus from chasing love to self-discovery can create a conducive environment for love to flow towards us.
Arthur Schopenhauer argued that the human tendency to seek more to satisfy desires while perpetuating those desires is irrational and a cause of suffering.
Detachment from the 'will' is considered the ultimate goal of human existence to escape the cycle of suffering, according to Schopenhauer.
The human mind perceives a sense of lack when it believes the present moment is inadequate, leading to a perpetual cycle of dissatisfaction.
To effectively utilize the 'backwards law,' affirmations must be aligned with current beliefs; otherwise, they may not be effective.
The key to achieving success is to focus on the process that leads to success rather than fixating on the end goal.
Desire and imagination must be harmoniously synchronized for the 'Law of Reversed Effort' to be successfully leveraged.
Both desire and the ability to envision oneself accomplishing the desired outcome are crucial for achieving a positive outcome.
Napoleon Hill and Joseph Murphy emphasize the power of the subconscious mind in achieving goals.
Being present in the moment, as emphasized by Buddha, is essential for managing anticipatory anxiety and improving mental well-being.
Reframing challenges and obstacles as opportunities for personal growth can lead to a more natural and intuitive decision-making process.
The 'flow state' is a state where actions happen effortlessly, often experienced by high-performing individuals who have spent significant time practicing their craft.
Relinquishing excessive conscious control is vital for entering the flow state and performing at one's best.
Seneca's wisdom suggests that true happiness is found in enjoying the present without anxious dependence upon the future.
Letting go and not obsessing over control can lead to a more mindful and fulfilling life, with improved quality time with loved ones and better self-awareness.
Transcripts
wanting positive experience is a
negative experience accepting negative
experience is a positive
experience imagine that you have set
yourself a goal to become a successful
entrepreneur you commit to putting in a
significant amount of effort to achieve
it however this commitment also means
that being far from your goal will cause
you to experience negative emotions as
you will be acutely aware of the gap
between where you are and where you want
to be this Gap can have a significant
impact on your well-being and
self-esteem this correlates to the
wisdom of epicurus in that if you wish
to be rich do not add to your money but
subtract from your desire the backwards
law is based on the idea that the more
you strive for something the the more
you'll experience negative outcomes or
feel worse than you did
before it seems to contradict the advice
we've been given throughout our lives
which is that hard work and effort lead
to Greater success and happiness however
the backwards law suggests that there is
a limit to how much effort we should put
into achieving a goal and that sometimes
we need to take a step back and let
things unfold naturally it's all about
balance and recognizing
when too much striving can be
counterproductive Alan Wilson watts an
English writer Theologian and speaker is
recognized for his extensive
contributions in propagating the tenets
of Eastern philosophies including
Buddhism taism and advit vanta to the
Western
World his Works Have Been instrumental
in Bridging the Gap between the eastern
and western philosophical traditions and
have been widely appreciated for their
insightful and thought-provoking nature
one of Watts's most notable observations
is indeed the backwards law although the
backwards law comes directly from taing
or Zen Buddhism what takes credit for
spreading its principles to the Western
audience Allan simplified it as the more
you try and grab a hold of something the
more it slips through your fingers this
law applies to tapping into the energy
flow of our efforts and focus when we
stop trying we'll get what we want the
idea of the backwards law reminds us to
think Beyond superficial goals and
consider what we really want out of life
and why we want it it encourages us to
seek deeper meaning and fulfillment
rather than simply pursuing worldly
achievements what states we don't know
what we truly want because we cannot
Define it thus the backwards law doesn't
tell us us what we should focus less
upon but instead instructs us to direct
our energy to what we truly desire it
pushes us to dissect our goals and
desires until we reach an understanding
of what makes us want them the principle
of the backwards law is a concept that
can Aid Us in delving deeper into our
desires and motivations it emphasizes
the importance of turning our attention
inwards and critically examining our
innermost desires
to gain a better understanding of our
true needs this principle encourages us
to question why we want something what
we expect to gain from it and whether it
aligns with our core values and beliefs
by doing so we can identify any
discrepancies between our surface level
desires and our deeper needs which can
help us make more informed decisions and
lead a more fulfilling life firstly The
Pursuit of Happiness through through
constant seeking can be
counterproductive it challenges the
common belief that happiness is
attainable only through the achievement
of specific goals in fact this Perpetual
seeking can lead to lower levels of
happiness compared to a state of Simply
letting go and experiencing happiness
without any particular motive secondly
anxiety is primarily triggered by our
attempts to exert control over our
surroundings this tendency often leads
to a disregard for the limitations of
our control and we tend to impose our
will on our emotions and external
environment this approach only serves to
heighten our anxiety however by
relinquishing control we can cultivate
self-acceptance and move closer towards
attaining Peace of Mind thirdly wealth
is deprived when you remind yourself
that you want to be rich the more you
try to be wealthy the poorer you will
feel regardless of how much money you
actually have true wealth is a mental
state finally when we shift our Focus
from chasing love to self-discovery we
create a conducive environment for love
to flow towards us knowing ourselves and
our core values helps us identify the
specific type of Love That best aligns
with our needs and desires Arthur
schopenhauer a German philosopher argued
that the human tendency to seek more in
order to satisfy their desires while
simultaneously perpetuating those
desires is irrational schopenhauer
believed that humans like all other
entities in the universe are embodiments
of the will to live or the will as a
result we desire things because of our
innate will to live which compels us to
pursue satisfaction through various
means in the philosophical view of
schopenhauer the concept of the will is
a powerful driving force that is
irrational aimless and
NeverEnding this unfettered striving is
the cause of all human suffering and it
cannot be alleviated by the pleasures of
the world according to schopenhauer we
are all plagued by a pathological desire
for more than we need which is fueled by
an unrelenting sense of scarcity this
desire is insatiable and can never be
fully satisfied leading to a life of
Perpetual dissatisfaction and
restlessness schopenhauer believed that
the only way to escape this cycle of
suffering is to detach oneself from the
will which he considered to be the
ultimate goal of human existence the
human mind perceives a sense of lack
when it believes that the present moment
is inadequate or
incomplete this feeling of inadequacy
causes individuals to seek comfort in
circumstances that they believe will
provide greater pleasure how however
upon reaching these situations
individuals often find themselves in the
same state of dissatisfaction that they
were trying to
escape according to schopenhauer thus
also every Keen pleasure is an error and
an illusion for no attained wish can
give lasting
satisfaction to effectively utilize the
backwards law we can sometimes resort to
affirmations however it's important to
note that if the affirmation is not in
alignment with your current beliefs it
may not be effective for instance
repeatedly affirming I'm a millionaire
I'm a millionaire I'm a millionaire
would be futile if you don't actually
believe that you're a millionaire your
conscious mind will resist this new
belief and it won't penetrate your
subconscious thus failing to bring about
the desired outcome the key to achieving
millionaire level success is to shift
your focus away from the monetary
outcome and instead concentrate on the
process that leads to such success
rather than fixating on the end goal it
is important to consistently align your
actions with the goal and approach each
step along the way as a means to
achieving it for instance if your goal
is to attract more clients to your
business every new website click
potential client call or query from a
potential client should be considered a
step towards achieving that goal
focusing on these small successes helps
to condition your subconscious mind for
growth and abundance rather than a fixed
mindset of
scarcity the effective alignment of
desire and Imagination is crucial for
achieving optimal results often
excessive Focus solely on the desire can
impede progress intense fixation on a
future destination may lead to
neglecting the use of imagination in
visualizing the process required to
reach that goal in instances where there
is a desire for something missing from
one's life a challenge arises in
believing that such aspirations are
attainable through
imagination distinguishing between
wanting and genuinely believing in the
possibility of achieving a goal is
Paramount to Leverage The Law of
reversed effort successfully both desire
and Imagination must be harmoniously
synchronized while diligent effort and
perseverance in pursuing one's desires
are commendable the lack of belief or an
inability to Envision oneself
accomplishing the desired outcome May
impede success in essence for a positive
outcome it is imperative that one can
Envision and believe in the feasibility
of their goals we must look into our
subconscious mind Napoleon Hill wisely
said your subconscious mind works
continuously while you are awake and
while you sleep in his book The Power of
the subconscious mind Joseph Murphy
provides an illustration involving
walking along a plank of wood placed on
the ground this task is generally easy
for the majority of people as there are
no consequences to losing balance on the
plank in this scenario the desire to
walk along the plank aligns SE
seamlessly with the imagination which
believes in the capability and envisions
the process of successfully walking the
plank consequently the task is completed
effortlessly now consider the same plank
of wood elevated 20 ft in the air
between two walls the introduction of an
element of consequence adds complexity
to the task while the desire to walk
along the plank May persist the
imagination may now visualize the the
potential of falling off and sustaining
an injury in such a situation challenges
may arise because the conscious desire
to perform an action contrasts with the
imagination and visualization that shape
the belief and self-image residing in
the subconscious mind responsible for
95% of our thoughts and actions we must
be present as emphasized by Buddha do
not dwell in the past do not dream of
the future concentrate the mind on the
present
moment anticipatory anxiety is a type of
anxiety that occurs when we Face
situations that are unfamiliar uncertain
or we are unsure how to handle them
leading to stress and worry about the
future it is a common experience among
many of us and it can be challenging to
manage the anxiety May manifest as
physical symptoms such such as sweating
shaking or increased heart rate it may
also lead to negative thoughts such as
fear doubt or insecurity that can
further exacerbate the
anxiety managing anticipatory anxiety
often requires relinquishing conscious
control which can be a daunting task
however with the right strategies such
as mindfulness cognitive behavioral
therapy or relaxation techniques it is
possible to overcome anticipatory
anxiety and improve our overall mental
well-being to achieve a better balance
between conscious and subconscious
decision-making it's helpful to reframe
our perspective rather than viewing
challenges and obstacles as threats we
should see them as opportunities for
personal growth and learning this shift
in mindset allows us to cultivate the
optimal conditions for intuitive and
subconscious processes to guide our
actions over time we can train ourselves
to make these decisions subconsciously
leading to a more natural and intuitive
decisionmaking process let's take
driving as an example learning how to
drive is often a difficult if not
nerve-wracking task there's a lot to
absorb and even more to practice but our
brains get used to the Motions of
driving after some time and as soon as
we get the hang of how to drive
we start to do it
subconsciously that's why many people
can talk sing or multitask in different
ways while driving but you should still
be focused on the road whenever you're
behind the wheel but I digress the same
thing can happen with letting ourselves
fall into something called The Flow
State the flow state is when our actions
happen effortlessly as though our body
was on autopilot just like how musicians
become one with the the music as they
play an instrument or dancers become one
with their dance
moves this state often applies to high-
performing individuals who spend a lot
of mental and physical practice in their
daily life some examples of this include
painters chess players and professional
climbers when we exert too much
conscious effort we might disrupt this
balance and hinder our ability to enter
the Flow State this is due to the fact
that overthinking can create mental
roadblocks leading us to second guess
our actions or become overly
self-critical essentially being in our
own head too much can disrupt the
natural instinctive process that
facilitates flow therefore relinquishing
excessive conscious control becomes a
vital step to entering the flow state
where conscious intent guides our
actions without interfering with the
automatic intuitive processes that
enable us to perform at our
best I shall leave you with senica's
wisdom of true happiness
is to enjoy the present without anxious
dependence upon the future just remember
the more you try to cling to something
the more it will slip away from you when
we learn to let go and stop obsessing
about having control over every facet of
Our Lives we can start being fully
present at the moment we get more time
to focus on the things that are right in
front of us our quality time with our
loved ones improves and our bodies and
Minds feel more rested and focused when
we learn to live fully in the present we
can become more mindful of our thoughts
actions and surroundings this heightened
awareness allows us to better understand
our strengths and weaknesses and
identify areas where we can improve
ourselves with this newfound
self-awareness we can then focus on
setting and achieving our goals making
sure that the choices we make and the
actions we take align with our vision
for the
future by staying present and
intentional in our daily lives we can
create a fulfilling and purposeful
existence for ourselves one step at a
time
Browse More Related Video
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DZSAiU7ik4E/hq720.jpg)
Yanฤฑtlamamฤฑz Gereken Tek Bir Soru Var.
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-IlG32Pb43g/hq720.jpg)
The Harder You Try, The Worse It Gets | Law of Reversed Effort
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/V1oJAjVLuP4/hq720.jpg)
Discovering the True SOURCE of Happiness - Intro to Advaita Vedanta - Part 1
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LebTT0bZYNU/hq720.jpg)
ใ็ฆ ใฎๅฟโ ใไธ็ไธญใฎๅไบบใใกใฏใชใ็ฆ ใซ้ญ ใใใใใฎใ๏ผ
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/V8jzIMEVuIU/hq720.jpg)
Atma: Sat Cit Ananda - Intro to Advaita Vedanta - Part 2
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PQ8hCWA4CIs/hq720.jpg)
Jordan Peterson: How to STOP being UNDISCIPLINED.
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)