What is self-handicapping?

Self-handicapping is a self-defeating behavior where people create obstacles or excuses that hinder their chances of success. It's a way to protect their self-esteem from potential failure.

What are the main features of self-handicapping?

  • Fear of Failure: The core reason for self-handicapping is the fear of looking bad or incompetent if they fail.
  • Self-Sabotage: People engage in behaviors that undermine their performance. This can be anything from procrastinating to setting unrealistic goals.
  • External Blaming: The goal is to have an excuse for failure that doesn't reflect poorly on their abilities. They blame external factors like lack of sleep, not studying enough, or a bad environment.

Why is self-handicapping important?

Understanding self-handicapping is important because it can limit your potential and hold you back from achieving your goals. It creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where you set yourself up to fail.

How is self-handicapping applied in practice?

Here are some ways self-handicapping shows up:

  • A student pulls an all-nighter before a big exam, claiming they "couldn't study beforehand."
  • An athlete skips practice sessions, then blames their performance on "not feeling well."
  • Someone avoids applying for a job they're qualified for, fearing rejection and telling themself they "wouldn't get it anyway."

Practical example

Imagine someone who constantly criticizes their own abilities before a presentation. This negativity undermines their confidence and can lead to a poorer performance.

Critical comments

  • It creates a cycle of low self-esteem and missed opportunities.
  • It prevents people from learning from their mistakes and improving.
  • It can damage relationships when people use excuses to avoid taking responsibility.
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