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Kick the naysaying to the curb - it's a trap

EvgeniZyntx
EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
edited January 14 in Motivation and Support
I've read more than a few thread about loss of motivation or about body changes that don't seem to succeed (the pooch, the flab, the weight that won't come off) and it reminded me today of the "gumption trap" from a certain book ...

The gumption trap is either an event or a mind set that creates loss of will-power or enthusiasm and prevents us from continuing and succeeding in a project. We set up our own mental blocks and meet them and give up. Be aware of these traps and kick them to the curb.

From the w'pedia:
The "trap" portion of the term refers to the negative feedback loop that the event or mindset creates: That the reduction in the person's enthusiasm and initiative decreases both the person's likelihood of success in that project and the degree of success likely (thus doubly affecting the expected outcome of the person's efforts). The usual result, whether a mere lack of success or instead an outright failure complete with embarrassment and loss of the resources initially invested, further discourages the person.

The specific term "gumption trap" was coined by Robert Pirsig in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and the associated concept plays an important part in the practical application of his Metaphysics of Quality. Although Pirsig's term has seen little use outside his work, the associated concept has received significant attention in mainstream psychology under the label "learned helplessness" proposed by Martin Seligman.

Don't set yourself up to fail - keep the negative feedback in check.

No advice on how to do it - just putting it out there, for awareness and discussion.

Replies

  • perfectingpatti
    perfectingpatti Posts: 1,037 Member
    Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a wonderful book!

    "Learned helplessness" is a real thing. I think to beat the gumption trap is to use visualization, imagination, and positive thinking. It's got to be a retraining of the mind. Sadly, some people don't really want to attempt to change their mindset. Ya know?
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    Totally agree. Some folks seem to wallow in the negativity. It's easy:

    -Make a decision on what you want, eg set goals.
    -Figure out what actions wll achieve those goals.
    -Take said action.

    Yes there will bumps in the road and setbacks. Welcome to life.
  • icimani
    icimani Posts: 1,454 Member
    Gumption Trap - Cool term!

    Gumption Trap and Learned Helplessness would seem to fit right in with the continuing struggle to get back on track, get back on the wagon, etc. Those old habits were familiar, and change is hard - even if it is a change for the better.
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    I think, as long as one isn't told their FEELINGS are negative, this is a valid and sustainable approach. It's how we work our thoughts and actions around our feelings that decide the further course of action. (DBT for the win, yo.)

    At least that's my caveat.
  • SeaRunner26
    SeaRunner26 Posts: 5,143 Member
    This sounds like another term for a self-fulfilling prophecy. That is, you've already determined the outcome so you consciously or unconsciously steer yourself in that direction, in your example in the negative direction. Another great example would be the thought "that person doesn't like me". Because you have that thought in mind, it changes your behavior around that person, sending communication, both verbal and non-verbal, that helps to make the supposition come true.
  • wade78
    wade78 Posts: 141 Member
    Thank you so much for posting this. I do this all the time. The closer I am to my goal the more likely I'll do something stupid to mess things up. I need to stop doing this!!
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    This sounds like another term for a self-fulfilling prophecy. That is, you've already determined the outcome so you consciously or unconsciously steer yourself in that direction, in your example in the negative direction. Another great example would be the thought "that person doesn't like me". Because you have that thought in mind, it changes your behavior around that person, sending communication, both verbal and non-verbal, that helps to make the supposition come true.

    Exactly.
    If you say you are going to fail. You will.


    Fake it, til you make it.
  • SeaRunner26
    SeaRunner26 Posts: 5,143 Member
    This sounds like another term for a self-fulfilling prophecy. That is, you've already determined the outcome so you consciously or unconsciously steer yourself in that direction, in your example in the negative direction. Another great example would be the thought "that person doesn't like me". Because you have that thought in mind, it changes your behavior around that person, sending communication, both verbal and non-verbal, that helps to make the supposition come true.

    Exactly.
    If you say you are going to fail. You will.

    Fake it, til you make it.

    Good point. This type of thinking works in the positive direction as well. If you believe you are going to succeed, then you will.
This discussion has been closed.

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