Let’s be real. Johannes Haushofer, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Public Affairs has an actual curriculum vitae that’s impressive.
A graduate of Oxford, Harvard and the University of Zurich with two Ph.D.s, and forty papers he’s preparing or published, he’s no academic slouch.
But, despite his rosy resume, he’s experienced some rejection and failure, and has listed them in a cheeky, but compelling document titled, “CV of Failures.” He took up the challenge as put forth by scientist, Melanie Stefan, who noticed how scientists (and people) hide their failures and highlight their successes.
Haushofer’s goal was altruistic. He sees the publication of his misses as an opportunity to make others feel better about their rejections, so they don’t feel alone in feeling not good enough. He believes successes and failures are born of a randomly organized world.
How responsible are we for our wins and losses? Remember President Lincoln’s famous fails (lost his job, a nervous breakdown, lost bid two times for U.S. Senate?). Do you learn from not getting what you want? Or, wallow in it?
Guest:
Johannes Haushofer, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Public Affairs, Princeton University