#380: How to Be Braver

Self-Handicapping

Self-handicapping is a behavior where individuals create obstacles to avoid being evaluated, often leading to failure. Robert Biswas-Diener explains that this behavior is a way to protect oneself from the fear of failure by attributing poor performance to external factors rather than personal shortcomings 1. For example, a student might stay up all night before an exam, resulting in poor performance, but they can then blame their failure on lack of sleep instead of their abilities.

It's difficult because it can come so naturally to us. One of the things I think is interesting, though, about self handicapping is that people are still willing to do whatever the action is.

--- Robert Biswas-Diener

To overcome self-handicapping, Robert suggests shifting the focus from success or failure to personal growth and learning from experiences 1.

   

Ego Reduction

Ego plays a significant role in increasing fear and reducing courage. Robert Biswas-Diener describes how egocentrism, or excessive self-focus, can lead to heightened fear and paralysis 2. By constantly worrying about how we are perceived, we become less willing to take risks or act courageously.

The more self conscious a person is, oftentimes the more paralyzed they are. They just simply don't want to act at all, let alone take a risky action.

--- Robert Biswas-Diener

Shifting focus away from oneself and towards the impact on others or the collective goal can help reduce this fear and increase bravery 2.