Law of reversed effort
Introduction
The Law of Reversed Effort, also known as Coué's Law, is a psychological principle that suggests the harder one consciously tries to do something, the less successful they may become. This law was first proposed by French psychologist Émile Coué, who is also known for his method of psychotherapy based on optimistic autosuggestion, known as Couéism.
Background
Émile Coué, a pharmacist turned psychologist, proposed the Law of Reversed Effort as a part of his broader work on the power of the subconscious mind. Coué's work was heavily influenced by earlier psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, who emphasized the role of the subconscious in human behavior.
Principle
The Law of Reversed Effort is based on the idea that the conscious and subconscious minds can come into conflict. When a person consciously wills something to happen that is against their subconscious beliefs, the subconscious mind often wins out. This is because the subconscious mind operates on a deeper level and is more powerful than the conscious mind. The more effort a person puts into consciously trying to achieve something that goes against their subconscious beliefs, the less likely they are to succeed.
Applications
The Law of Reversed Effort has been applied in various fields such as psychology, sports coaching, and self-help. In psychology, it is used to explain why some people struggle to change their habits or behaviors despite their best conscious efforts. In sports coaching, it is used to help athletes overcome mental blocks that may be preventing them from performing at their best. In the self-help industry, it is often used to explain why positive affirmations and visualization techniques can be effective tools for personal development.
Criticisms and Controversies
While the Law of Reversed Effort has been influential in various fields, it has also been subject to criticism. Some psychologists argue that the law oversimplifies the complex relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind. Others argue that it can be used to justify a lack of effort or personal responsibility. Despite these criticisms, the Law of Reversed Effort continues to be a topic of interest and debate in the field of psychology.