The Search for Significance

44 The Search For SignificanceSCHIZOPHRENIASchizophrenia, which could be called the"Hider's Disease," is a condition in which peopletry to escape the pain of failure and rejection bycreating their own separate world. Strong elementsof rejection that are related to schizophrenia willbe discussed in a following section.DEPRESSIONExperiencing failure and fearing subsequentfailure can lead people into deep depression. Oncedepressed, many people become passive in their actions,believing there is no hope for change. Onthe other hand, a depressed person may also experienceintense anger concerning his failures.Depression is the body's means of blocking psychologicalpain by numbing physical and emotionalfunctions.CHEMICAL DEPENDENCYMany people attempt to ease the pain and fearof failure by using drugs or alcohol. Although thechemicals are supposed to remove the pressure toperform, the pleasure of the moment is quicklyfollowed by the despair of realizing an inabilityto cope without the chemical. This pain-pleasurecycle continues, slowly draining the life out of itsvictim.Users of cocaine, a currently popular drug,provide a clear example of this condition. A majorreason for cocaine's popularity is its ability toproduce feelings of greater self-esteem. However,it is interesting that generally, only successfulpeople can afford the drug. Therefore, if successtruly provided a sense of self-esteem, these people

The Performance Trap 45would not be in the market for the drug in thefirst place.DISHONESTYDishonesty is an attempt to hide a person'sfailure, but it seldom blunts the pain. Few of ustell blatant lies, but many of us are dishonest in amore subtle way: exaggerating the truth so goodthings will seem a little better or bad things willseem a little worse. Exaggerating the truth is anotherway we try to hide our failures or impressothers.LOW MOTIVATIONMuch of what is known as low motivation orlaziness can be better understood as hopelessness.If people believe they will fail, then they willhave no reason to exert any effort. The pain theyendure for their passivity seems relatively minorand acceptable compared to the more intense painof genuinely trying and failing.SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONThe emotional trauma caused by failure cancause disturbances in sexual activity. Then, ratherthan experiencing the pain of failing sexually,many tend to avoid sex altogether.The more sensitive you become to the fear offailure and the problems it may cause* the moreyou will understand your own behavior as well asthe behavior others.