Failure Quote by Barry Schwartz
““When people are looking for causes of failure, they are predisposed to one of these positions. Suppose you apply for a job, but fail to get hired. Here are some possible answers you give. Global: I don't look good on paper and I get nervous at interviews. Specific: I don't really know enough about the kinds of products they sell. To look good at an interview, I need more of a feel for the business. Chronic: I don't have a dynamic, take-charge kind of personality. It's not who I am. Transient: I had just recovered from the flu and had not been sleeping well. I wasn't at my best. Personal: The job was there for the taking. I just couldn't get it done. Universal: they probably already had an insider picked out; the job search was just for show, and no outsider would have gotten the job.””
About This Quote
People attribute failure to various causes, ranging from personal traits to external factors, reflecting bias in self‑assessment.
In simple terms: We blame failures in many ways, often to protect self‑esteem.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and test your assumptions about setbacks.
Themes
self‑assessment
bias
failure
causation
psychology
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
insightful
critical
When to use this quote
- job interviews
- performance reviews
- career setbacks
- personal reflection
- decision making
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
attribution theory
defensive reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports each cause you list?
- How might you objectively evaluate the real reason?
A Different Perspective
Assumptions may overlook systemic issues or luck.
