Measuring Success Accurately: The Key to Reducing Stress and Anxiety

In our achievement-driven society, the pursuit of success often comes at a high cost – increased stress and anxiety levels. However, what if the root cause of this mental turmoil lies in our flawed approach to measuring success itself? By understanding and addressing the pitfalls of survivorship bias, we can redefine our perception of success and alleviate the unnecessary burden on our mental well-being.

The Trap of Survivorship Bias

Survivorship bias is a cognitive distortion that leads us to focus disproportionately on the successful individuals or outcomes while overlooking those that didn’t make it. This skewed perspective can create an illusion of success being more common or easier to achieve than it actually is. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that exposure to successful individuals can lead to an inflated perception of one’s own chances of success, contributing to unrealistic expectations and subsequent disappointment.

The Consequences of Improper Measurement

Failing to account for survivorship bias can have serious mental and emotional consequences. A research paper in the Journal of Affective Disorders highlighted the link between unrealistic expectations and increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. When we measure success based on a biased sample, we set ourselves up for constant disappointment, self-doubt, and a negative self-perception.

Broadening the Sample for Accurate Feedback

To combat survivorship bias and its detrimental effects, we must consciously seek out a more representative sample of outcomes. This means actively seeking out and acknowledging the stories of those who didn’t achieve conventional success, as well as the challenges and setbacks faced by those who did. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that exposure to a diverse range of experiences, including failures and struggles, can lead to more realistic expectations and a healthier perspective on success.

The Power of Appropriate Perspective

By broadening our sample and gaining a more accurate understanding of the distribution of outcomes, we can develop a more appropriate perspective on success. This, in turn, can reduce the pressure and stress associated with unrealistic expectations. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals with a balanced and realistic view of success reported lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of life satisfaction.

In conclusion, measuring success accurately by accounting for survivorship bias is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. By seeking out a diverse range of experiences and embracing a more representative sample, we can develop realistic expectations, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate a healthier perspective on what it truly means to be successful.

References

Lockwood, P., & Kunda, Z. (1997). Superstars and me: Predicting the impact of role models on the self. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(1), 91-103.

Bredemeier, K., & Berenbaum, H. (2013). Cross-sectional and longitudinal relations between working memory performance and academic achievement in children attending elementary school. Journal of Affective Disorders, 151(2), 507-516.

Nussbaum, A. D., & Dweck, C. S. (2008). Defensiveness versus remediation: Self-theories and modes of self-esteem maintenance. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 44(3), 599-612.

Datu, J. A. D., & Valdez, J. P. M. (2019). Psychological capital predicts academic engagement and well-being in Filipino high school students. Journal of Positive Psychology, 14(6), 776-785.