When You Stop Trying, Results Come
"We often experience our creativity blooming when were are not asking for it, e.g. while taking a shower, while going for a walk. The ancient Taoists observed that when we are too occupied with the outcome, we're likely to sabotage our performance."
Description
This quote from Einzelgänger beautifully illustrates the Law of Reverse Effect - the paradox that trying too hard often prevents us from achieving what we desire. The video explores how our most creative moments often arrive when we're not actively seeking them, during mundane activities like showering or walking. This aligns with ancient Taoist wisdom about "wu wei" or effortless action, which suggests that excessive focus on outcomes creates mental obstacles that hinder our natural abilities. Just as the archer in Zhuangzi's story shot perfectly during practice but failed when competing for a prize, we often perform best when we're not fixated on results. The quote reminds us that creativity requires surrender rather than control, and that by releasing our grip on desired outcomes, we create space for spontaneous insights to emerge.