Manson’s law

In life, there are many laws that rule the universe and if we don’t count them in our lives or if we are unaware of them we might suffer through life. As there are physical laws like gravity, thermodynamics, etc., knowing them we can be able to make our lives easier. In having success there are many myths and ideas as if it came from magic or a deity that favours us, like fortune, when in fact there is a law for success:

Manson’s law: The more something threatens your identity, the more you will avoid it. We can call it a survival instinct, something that nature has enabled us to keep being ourselves, if we really know ourselves, right?

That means the more something threatens to change how you view yourself, how successful/unsuccessful you believe yourself to be, and how well you see yourself living up to your values, the more you will avoid getting around to doing it. 

There’s a certain comfort that comes with knowing how you fit in the world.

Anything that shakes up that comfort- even if it could potentially make your life better- is inherently scary.

This is why we are afraid of success- for the exact same reason they’re afraid of failure: it threatens who they believe themselves to be. 

Manson’s law, named after psychologist Carl Manson, the more something poses a threat to our deeply ingrained sense of identity, the more likely we are to avoid it. It raises the question: Why do we shy away from experiences or ideas that challenge our core beliefs?

At its core, this phenomenon can be seen as a survival instinct. Our identity is the culmination of our experiences, beliefs, and values. It is what makes us who we are. As such, when faced with situations or concepts that directly challenge or contradict what we believe to be true about ourselves, it triggers a discomfort that we naturally try to avoid.

To truly know ourselves requires a willingness to confront and explore those aspects that may challenge our established sense of identity. While it may feel uncomfortable or even threatening at times, embracing this discomfort can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Understanding Manson’s law can shed light on the complexities of human behaviour. It serves as a reminder that our identities are fluid and subject to change. By confronting and embracing the aspects that challenge our sense of self, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and opportunities for personal development.

So, in essence, Manson’s law underscores the importance of self-reflection, openness, and adaptability. It encourages us to be courageous in exploring and incorporating new ideas, even if they initially threaten our established identity.

Remember, our identity is not fixed, but rather an ever-evolving aspect of who we are. Embrace the discomfort and growth that comes with challenging your beliefs, and you may find a deeper sense of self in the process.