Are YOU a Perfect Failure?

The preference to not fail is trivial -- but, why the propensity to not succeed?
Not succeeding assuages the fear of failure. After all, a one-time success calls for increasingly more unattainable repeat performances. Success just means that one has got more to lose, more ways to fail. Deliberately not succeeding also buttresses the narcissist's sense of omnipotence: "I -- and only I -- choose to what extent and whether I succeed or fail." Similarly, the narcissist grandiose conviction that he is perfect is supported by his self-inflicted lack of success. He tells himself: "I could have succeeded had I only chose to and applied myself to it. I am perfect, but I elect to not manifest my perfection via success."
Indeed, as the philosopher Spinoza observed, perfect being have no wants or needs. They don't have to try and prove anything. In an imperfect world, such as ours is, the mere continued existence of a perfect being constitutes its success. "I cannot fail as long as I merely survive" -- is the perfect entity's motto.
Many narcissistic defences, traits, and behaviours revolve around the compulsive need to sustain a grandiose self-image of perfection ("perfectionism".) Paradoxically, deficient impulse control helps achieve this crucial goal. Impulsive actions and addictive behaviours render failure impossible as they suggest a lack of premeditation and planning.

[@jameshicks7125]

I am not a perfect failure, but rather a successful professional failure.

[@adrijanaskorvaga7048]

I'm not a failure because I've survived everything I chose.

[@baksteen123]

I resonate to so much of what you said. It seems like I do everything in my power to remain mediocre, despite seeing many paths that lead to success, I fail to take action towars them. Instead, it seems I am actively engaging towards my downfall with engaging in my addictive behaviours. I'm out of control, or maybe indeed it means I am actually in control. But how do I change?

[@SarahD-s4y]

I'm battling multiple chronic illnesses that cross over into mental symptoms ( depression, anxiety) while trying to find my true calling, yeah perfect failure.

[@marcel21MrM]

Thank you.

[@lionsoultribe]

Sam, it gets too complicated. It seems grandiosity can be everything: thriving to archieve it, succeeding in proving the own failure in case of covert narcissists, as well as mediocrity.
It seems narcissism can be reduced to predict what one is gonna be.
On the other hand hypercompetitiveness and psychotic self believe can turn out to yield mondane success....
Is narcissism the illusion of succesfully predicting oneself?
Healthy is to try hard and experience the result?
I mean we are still human: vulnerable and imperfect, not omniescent not omnipotent... Yet we reach for the stars.
Some do. Some don't.
Nihilism is not self defeating but defeat itself.
Maybe it is healthy to give up the Illusion of self control or world control (for a narcissist self equals world)

[@exoticaxox]

Could you please create a video on the American healthcare saga and Luigi Mangione? I'm really keen to hear your perspective on this matter. Thank you!

[@zachklaphaak441]

This all sounds really familiar to me, unfortunately i watched your video about how i'm unable to change any of this about myself so i guess i'll keep on keepin on...
😂