Randall B. Scott

Self-handicapping is a related performance-debilitating characteristic alsowidely experienced by nonclinical populations. Jones and Berglas (1978) first usedthe term ‘self-handicapping’ to describe the situation where a person creates obstaclesto their achievement of success, with the aim of having a ready-made excuse forfailure if it occurs.

We all know people like this.  Before a sporting event they claim that their foot is hurting or that they didn’t have time to stretch out.  This gives them an excuse for failure.  It also gives them a greater victory if they do achieve a high level of performance as they overcame adversity.  We also see this type of behavior in the workplace.  Some will suddenly get ill around busy times of the year or when important projects are due.  It they’re out sick they can’t fail.  Others will say “I don’t know”, “we don’t have enough hours in the day to complete”.  Then, if they don’t get the task done they have an excuse.  If they do get it done they receive a greater reward.  Many people who are self handicapping have low self esteem.  They’re afraid to fail.  So, how do managers work with such people?  This can be difficult as the handicapper has a vested interest in retaining the handicap.  Psychologists suggest a cognitive-behavioral approach.  The manager needs to clearly state the goals and clarify the criteria for success.  Ensure goals are within the abilities of the employee and provide feedback as tasks are accomplished.  In a perfect world the handicapper will come around and stop making excuses.

One a recent trip to Hanoi I stayed in a hotel that was built over a lake. After checking in I ventured onto the deck to see a wedding in progress. I captured the scene of a photo shoot. Seemingly unaware a fisherman was relaxing in the afternoon sun. While reading some journals I watched for several hours and didn’t see any fish caught. This reminds me of when I spent 4 years dedicated to Ulua fishing. I would fish 2-3 nights a week and only caught 2 Ulua. I successfully caught several Papio (Ulua less than 10 pounds) but only two Ulua.

Marriage is a new beginning in life. With this thought I expect to renew my commitment to this blog. A new beginning if you will. I neglected the past year due to health, work, education, and personal commitments. God willing, I will begin to post regularly. At first I will commit to a weekly post. If successful I will increase the frequency.

Everyone has at one time or another been overwhelmed.  How did you get that way?  I get overwhelmed when I take on too many tasks.  We always say “yes” when asked to…  Do more at work, around the house, become more active with church or community group, you name it.  Often it’s not too many tasks.  We lose our focus and let the tasks get away from us.    

I like to think of myself as one who can get things done.  I have a huge vision of what I can accomplish and continually accept more responsibility.  This is all well and good however I have a problem which is shared by many, procrastination.  There are many articles and websites addressing procrastination.  Most have the same suggestions.  Make a list, time yourself, beware of your excuses, reward yourself for achievements, and identify specific and achievable goals.  I want to add another.  Surround yourself with productive people.

I’ve thought about the times in my life when I’ve been most productive.  These have been when someone else has pushed me to my limits and beyond and when surrounded by very productive people.  A perfect example is Marine Corps basic training.  I went there as a 17 year old who’s life experience was hanging out at the beach with friends.  Everything was fine until we got off that bus.  My world was turned upside down.  I remember waking up the next morning thinking what have I done?  Over the next three months I was pushed physically, mentally and psychologically to a level I never thought possible.  When I thought I had done my best, the Marines pushed me to another level.  Another extremely productive time was when I worked in an office where everyone pushed themselves to excellence.  When we finished a product we didn’t wait for the boss to tell us what was next, we found something else to accomplish.  This broke me out of my mold of “do what I’m directed and wait for further direction”.  Interestingly, while working with that team, management noticed that we were the “go to” team.  If something needed to get done our team would make it happen.  This resulted in becoming over tasked and eventually broke up the team.

In summary, in addition to using all the techniques readily written about, surround yourself with productive people and you too will become more productive.  If you’re a business owner or manager, ensure you don’t burn out your high performers by over tasking.

Nikolai Kondratieff was an economist who worked for Stalin.  Stalin asked Kondratieff about his economic theory.  His economic theory related the economy seasons.  In autumn there is a period of disinflation.  The stock market booms, inflation rates fall, interest rates fall, bond prices increase, commodity prices drop, and debt rises to unsustainable levels.  At some point near the end of this period the stock market peaks and then crashes.  This is the transition from disinflation to deflation, just as autumn changes to winter.   Stock prices fall rapidly, consumer confidence drops, bankruptcies increase, people buy gold to hedge against inflation, credit contracts, interest rates rise and there is widespread unemployment.  The economy then transitions to spring indicated by the start of inflation.  Employment and consumer confidence steadily increase, inflation starts low and gradually increases, and stocks begin to rise.  By summer, in this cycle, we have runaway inflation.  Real estate soars, gold and commodities boom, interest rates increase, debt builds, and manufactures over-produce.  The cycle then repeats itself.

Stalin didn’t like Nikolai Kondratieff’s economic theory.  Stalin wanted smooth out the peaks and valleys.  He wanted everyone to have the same.  A collective economy, from each according to his ability, to each according to his need.  Stalin had Kondratieff executed at the height of his career for the duel crime of being right, and widely recognized by his peers abroad. 

Andy Andrews’ newest book “The Noticer” is an inspirational story of wise old man named “Jones” who appears to be always present for those in need.  Jones goes about instructing people about their perspective in life.  Jones uses a reflective tone in teaching those whom he encounters about their perspective.  He doesn’t directly provide solutions to life’s lessons.  Instead he asks questions that make those characters in the book develop their own answers.  Through this method he helps several lost souls find greater meaning in their lives.  Every chapter teaches a different lesson that can be applied to one’s own life.  For me the most powerful lesson was found in the first chapter.  Jones and a young Andy Andrews are eating sardines and Vienna sausages on the beach.  When asked what and where they were eating, Andy replied “Sardines and Vienna sausages in the sand” as this was his perspective at that time.  Jones’ perspective was that he was dining on “surf and turf with an ocean view”.  Such a perspective can make life more enjoyable for all.  This book is a must read.  It is very thought provoking and will help many see a different perspective on life’s lessons.

visited 39 states (78%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or website vertaling duits?

Just a few states to go!

visited 14 states (6.22%)
Create your own visited map of The World or vertaling nederlands duits?
Not very impressive. I need to travel more!!

I’m constantly in meetings.  Many times I feel they are a waste of time.  All the department heads and directors are there.  It’s all the high priced executives sitting around the table discussing the plan of action.  If the meeting were conducted well it would be more beneficial.  To do so, the person leading the meeting needs to put out a clearly defined agenda.  All participants could then prepare ahead of time to meet the objectives of the meeting.  Another problem with many meeting is the participants.  Too many attend the meeting.  When too many are in the meeting, and everyone wants to talk, the meeting goes on forever.  Ineffective and a waste of time.   When I call a meeting, my goal is to conduct the meeting in no more than 30 minutes.  If I can complete in less time, better. 

Obama is our president.  Although I disagree with almost all his ideals, I still support him.  So many didn’t support George W. and it showed.  I don’t think we should openly disgrace our President as many did to W.  However, we are a free society…. (Until Obama takes over)…  I’m glad to have the right to express my discontent.  What kills me is the hype over his inauguration.  I remember the news media talking about W’s inauguration costing $40M.  Obama’s is costing $180M.  What’s up with that?  This is the wrong thing to spend money on in a depression…..  Yes, I say depression.  We haven’t seen anything yet.  This is just the beginning.  I expect to plant a vegetable garden soon.