The Law of Reverse Effect, also known as the Law of Reversed Effort, suggests that the harder you try to achieve something, the more difficult it can become to achieve it. This concept is often attributed to psychologist Emile Coué and is commonly observed in situations involving relaxation, sleep, and performance under pressure.
What can we learn from it.
Acceptance and Letting Go
Stoics emphasize accepting the present moment and the natural course of events. When we become overly fixated on achieving a particular result, we may become anxious or stressed, which counteracts our efforts. By accepting what is and letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes, we can reduce internal resistance and allow things to flow more naturally. This aligns with the idea of the Law of Reverse Effect, where less forced effort can lead to better results.
Focus on What is Within Our Control
Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control—our thoughts, actions, and responses—while letting go of what we cannot control, such as external events and other people’s actions. By concentrating on our own efforts and maintaining a calm, rational approach, we can perform better without the added pressure of trying to control outcomes that are not within our power. This mindset reduces the counterproductive stress that often accompanies the pursuit of goals.
Inner Tranquility
Maintaining inner tranquility is central to Stoic philosophy. When we try too hard and become overly attached to specific outcomes, we disrupt our inner peace. Stoics advocate for a balanced approach where we put in our best effort but remain detached from the results. This detachment helps us stay calm and composed, which paradoxically increases the likelihood of achieving our goals.
Practical Application
For example, a Stoic approach to public speaking would involve preparing diligently and doing one’s best, but not becoming overly concerned with the audience’s reaction. By focusing on the effort rather than the outcome, the speaker can remain calm and composed, likely delivering a better performance.