Why trying harder might be the problem

Jan 05, 2026 2:42 am

Hi ,


Most of us assume that if something isn’t working, the answer is more effort.

But when it comes to clarity, calm, and happiness, that instinct often backfires.

There’s an idea called the backwards law—the harder you chase certain inner states, the further away they move. And strangely, relief often shows up only after you stop pushing.


I wrote a short post exploring this paradox and how simple practices like journaling can help without forcing change.


You can read it here → https://penandjournal.com/the-backwards-law/


Best,

Scott

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