The ‘Backwards’ Law

Mastering this “law” helps covert operatives remain calm and adaptable under high-pressure situations, directly boosting their effectiveness and likelihood of mission success.

Paradoxes are a frequent reality in covert operations and Special Forces work. The skill to handle contradictions is often what separates seasoned operatives from newcomers. One such paradox, relevant well beyond covert tradecraft, is the “Backwards Law” - a concept that provides valuable insights into both personal growth and mission execution.

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        WHAT IS THE BACKWARDS LAW?”

The Backwards Law, a concept popularized by British philosopher Alan Watts, suggests that the harder we chase something, the more it slips away. Conversely, when we let go of our attachment to a specific outcome, we’re more likely to achieve it.

At its essence, the Backwards Law implies that excessive striving for positive experiences often brings about negative ones, while accepting negative experiences can unexpectedly lead to positive results.

This paradox is evident across various areas of life: the more intensely we seek happiness, the more elusive it becomes; the more we crave love, the harder it is to find. In operational terms, the more obsessively an operative focuses on mission success, the greater the risk of missing critical details, which can ultimately lead to failure.

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        SPECIAL FORCES BACKWARDS LAW