self-handicapping
Creating failure insurance
Self-handicapping is creating obstacles or excuses for yourself before attempting something, so that failure can be blamed on the handicap rather than your ability.
A student who stays out late before an exam is self-handicapping—if they fail, they can point to lack of sleep rather than face the possibility they weren't smart enough.
His self-handicapping behavior protected his ego but ensured he never reached his potential.
- impostor syndromeFeeling undeserving of success
- learned helplessnessTrauma-induced belief in powerlessness
- cognitive dissonanceDiscomfort from contradictory beliefs
- maladaptiveHarmful to one's wellbeing
underachievement · perfectionism · insecurity · defense mechanism · attribution theory · performance anxiety
Habitual task avoidance
- overcommittingPromising more than feasible
- sleep deprivationInadequate rest condition
- substance useIntake of psychoactive materials
- crammingIntensive last-minute study
Protecting one's dignity
- social comparisonEvaluating oneself relative to others
- reputation managementShaping public perception strategically
fear of failure
- impostor syndromeFeeling undeserving of success
- learned helplessnessTrauma-induced belief in powerlessness
- cognitive dissonanceDiscomfort from contradictory beliefs
maladaptive · underachievement · perfectionism · insecurity · defense mechanism · attribution theory · performance anxiety
procrastination
Habitual task avoidance
- overcommittingPromising more than feasible
- sleep deprivationInadequate rest condition
- substance useIntake of psychoactive materials
face-saving
Protecting one's dignity
- social comparisonEvaluating oneself relative to others
- reputation managementShaping public perception strategically
test anxiety
Fear of being assessed
- mental blocksmental block, procrastination, indecision, hesitation, holding back
- cognitive biasesconfirmation bias, anchoring bias, negativity bias, framing effect, optimism bias
self-handicappingmaximum effort
going all in · overpreparation · rising to the occasion · self-optimization · self-enhancement
self-handicappingself-efficacy
Belief in one's capabilities
growth mindset · self-confidence · intrinsic motivation · self-assurance · self-belief
self-handicappingaccountability
Obligation for one's actions
taking responsibility · no excuses · vulnerability · skin in the game
self, handicap, handicapped, handicapping, handicaps, handicapper, handicappers, selfish, selfishly