CATCH–22
I n the classic American novel Catch-22 , a pilot in World War II decides he does not want to continue flying combat missions. He realizes the probability of being killed in action is high and feels that he has flown enough missions.
I n the classic American novel Catch-22 , a pilot in World War II decides he does not want to continue flying combat missions. He realizes the probability of being killed in action is high and feels that he has flown enough missions.
When he talks to the military doctor and requests to be grounded, the doctor explains that he cannot ground him based on his physical health. The pilot then claims to be “crazy” and requests to be grounded for psychological reasons. Despite the pilot’s attempts to persuade him that he is crazy the doctor does not buy it. He also refuses to take the word of other bomber crew members who agree that the pilot is crazy. The doctor explains the crew members are the ones who are crazy because they don’t ask to be grounded.
Ultimately, the doctor explains what he calls Catch-22: The pilot is not crazy because he asks to be grounded (a rational self-preserving wish) while the other crew members are crazy because they don’t ask to be grounded (an irrational life-threatening choice). And the doctor does not ground those who don’t ask to be grounded.
This comical paradox parallels one of the most difficult hurdles for people who want to be successful—what might be called the Success Catch-22. People who really want to be successful will be naturally resistant to failure. And yet we must fail, and usually many times, at least in the short run, if we are going to enjoy significant success in the long run.
For example, new employees hired into desirable jobs will likely want to be as successful as possible. They may go out of their way to avoid taking risks or doing anything that could jeopardize their new highly valued position. Wanting to be very successful can translate into a tendency to play it safe and not suffer any kind of failure.
A useful corollary to this might be “If you want to be successful in life, continually fill your mind with opportunities, not obstacles, so that you will create them.”
Long-term success is largely influencedby our capacity to withstand defeat . . .and to focus on opportunitiesrather than obstacles.
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