The Gods and Mortal Overconfidence

In our thought processes let us venture outside-the-box. Of course, one could make the valid point that most of my postings are a little outside the proverbial box.

There is an old Greek saying that rings so true today. It is—for whom the Gods will destroy they first make overconfident. There is a subtle difference between being confident and being overconfident.

When you are confident in designing your plans or strategies, you have a belief in yourself and your abilities. But, as a mortal, you recognize that there is a possibility of failure—even if no fault of your own. You have done your homework and feel strongly that the odds of success are in your favor. This is called a calculated risk and we all take them. Recognizing that events can move against you, you have taken this into account to mitigate any negative developments.

Now let’s move on to overconfidence. When one is overconfident, he or she feels that their plans or strategies will succeed no matter what happens. In other words, there is no chance of failure. Failure is out of the question. As a result, there is no downside exit strategy in case success eludes you. This is a pure prescription for collapse. Why?

Mortals, by definition, are imperfect beings; only the Gods are perfect. Overconfidence is the terrain or territory of the Gods. Mortals can not enter here. Mortals are allowed to be confident but not overconfident. When mortals get overconfident, the Gods get jealous and take their revenge. You have stepped on their territory and events will go against you.

In designing your plans or strategies (on a personal or professional level) be of a confident nature, but make contingent plans in case a quick exit is needed. You can always step up to the plate again.

Be Solvent & Prosperous,
Sanford Kahn, Business Speaker/Author