The ‘Backwards’ Law

Understanding and applying the Backwards Law allows a covert operative to navigate high-pressure situations with greater calm and adaptability, enhancing their effectiveness and mission success.

In the work of covert operations and Special Forces, paradoxes are not uncommon. The ability to navigate contradictions often distinguishes a seasoned operative from an amateur. One such paradox that has relevance far beyond covert tradecraft is the “Backwards Law,” a concept that can offer profound insights into both personal development and mission execution.

        WHAT IS THE BACKWARDS LAW?”

The Backwards Law is a philosophical concept popularized by the British philosopher Alan Watts. It posits that the more we pursue something, the more elusive it becomes. Conversely, the more we avoid or relinquish our attachment to a particular outcome, the more likely it’s to come to us.

At its core, the Backwards Law suggests that striving too hard for positive experiences often results in negative experiences, while embracing negative experiences can paradoxically lead to positive outcomes.

This law can be seen in various aspects of life. The more we chase after happiness, the more it slips through our fingers. The more desperate we are for love, the more elusive it becomes. In the operational context, the more one fixates on the success of a mission, the more likely they are to overlook critical details, leading to failure.

        SPECIAL FORCES BACKWARDS LAW

The Navy SEALs, renowned for their exceptional mental and physical toughness, embody the principles of the Backwards Law in their training and operations. One of the key ways they apply this concept is by embracing discomfort and adversity rather than trying to avoid it.

During the grueling BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training, candidates are subjected to extreme physical and mental challenges designed to push them to their limits. The more they resist or fear the pain and discomfort, the harder it becomes to endure. However, by accepting the pain as an inevitable part of the process and focusing on the task at hand rather than the outcome, candidates are better able to persevere, often discovering that their limits are far beyond what they initially believed.

In operational settings, Navy SEALs also utilize the Backwards Law by maintaining a mindset of detachment from specific outcomes. They train to remain calm and composed in the face of uncertainty and danger, recognizing that fixating on a particular outcome can lead to tunnel vision and poor decision-making. By focusing on their training, teamwork, and the process of executing their mission rather than obsessing over the success or failure of the operation, SEALs are able to adapt to rapidly changing situations and make effective decisions under pressure.

This acceptance of uncertainty and the embrace of adversity is what allows them to consistently perform at the highest levels, even in the most challenging and unpredictable environments.

        THE BACKWARDS LAW IN THE FIELD

By internalizing the Backwards Law, operatives learn to accept the ever-present risks and uncertainties of their work without letting them dominate their thoughts or actions. This acceptance fosters a mindset of resilience, where operatives can focus on their immediate tasks with clarity, rather than being overwhelmed by the potential consequences of failure.

In covert operations, where the stakes are high and the margin for error is slim, the Backwards Law offers valuable insights into mindset and behavior. Consider the following scenarios:

Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance

An operative who is overly concerned with not being detected often displays behaviors that make them more conspicuous. Nervous glances, over-cautious movements, and an exaggerated attempt to blend in can actually draw more attention. By accepting the possibility of being noticed and operating with calm detachment, an operative is more likely to move through hostile territory unnoticed.

Interrogation Resistance

When under interrogation, the fear of breaking under pressure can paradoxically make one more susceptible to psychological manipulation. The more one resists or tries to avoid the discomfort of interrogation, the more the stress compounds. However, by accepting and mentally preparing for the discomfort, an operative can maintain composure and effectively resist giving up critical information.

Decision-Making Under Pressure

In high-stakes situations, the pressure to make the “right” decision can lead to analysis paralysis, where an operative is so fixated on avoiding mistakes that they fail to act decisively. Embracing the inherent uncertainty of the situation and accepting that some degree of risk is unavoidable can free the mind to make quicker, more effective decisions.

        THE BACKWARDS LAW IN DAILY LIFE

The Backwards Law is not just a tool for operatives in the field; it has practical applications in everyday life as well. Many people fall into the trap of relentlessly pursuing success or perfection in their careers, fitness, or personal development, often leading to burnout and chronic stress. By embracing the Backwards Law, you can shift your focus from obsessing over perfect outcomes to finding satisfaction in the process itself.

This doesn’t mean abandoning goals, but rather approaching them with a mindset that values progress over perfection and accepts setbacks as part of the journey. This acceptance reduces the pressure we place on ourselves, leading to a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to personal growth, where success often follows naturally when it’s no longer the sole focus.

Letting Go of Control

In personal relationships, the desire to control outcomes often leads to tension and conflict. By accepting that not everything is within your control and allowing events to unfold naturally, you create an environment where trust and cooperation can flourish.

Facing Fear

Fear is a natural response to uncertainty and danger. However, the more we try to avoid fear, the more power it gains over us. By confronting fears directly — whether it’s fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown — you diminish their hold and often find that the anticipated outcome isn’t as daunting as imagined.

Pursuing Goals

Ambition and goal-setting are essential for success, but an obsessive focus on outcomes can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. By concentrating on the process and accepting setbacks as part of the journey, you are more likely to achieve your goals and derive satisfaction from the effort itself.

        TRADECRAFT

        THE PARADOX OF ACCEPTANCE

The Backwards Law highlights the paradoxical nature of acceptance: by accepting negative experiences, we often diminish their impact and open the door to positive outcomes. This doesn’t mean passivity or resignation; rather, it’s about shifting focus from rigidly controlling outcomes to navigating circumstances with a fluid and adaptive mindset.

In the context of tradecraft, this mindset can be a game-changer. An operative who understands and applies the Backwards Law operates with a level of detachment that enhances situational awareness and decision-making. They recognize that clinging too tightly to specific outcomes can cloud judgment and increase the likelihood of failure. Instead, they focus on executing their mission with precision, trusting that the outcome will follow.

The Backwards Law is more than just a philosophical concept; it’s a practical tool for navigating the complexities of both life and covert operations. By understanding and embracing this paradox, operatives — and anyone seeking to optimize their performance — can cultivate a mindset that balances focus with flexibility, effort with detachment, and ambition with acceptance.