Insights from ‘Little Bets’ by Peter Sims

Question 1

Which notable figures accept and even welcome failure as they develop new ideas and strategies?

Answer 1

Chris Rock, Pixar filmmakers, Frank Gehry, Steve Jobs, and Colonel Casey Haskins.

Question 2

Fill in the blank: ‘Failure = ____, and that’s hard to accept.’

Answer 2

Imperfection

Question 3

True or False: As adults, creativity often declines due to an emphasis on avoiding mistakes.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

How does perfectionism impact creativity according to Peter Sims?

Answer 4

Innate curiosity and creativity are often squelched in adulthood as mistakes are penalized, and perfection is rewarded.

Question 5

What are the two forms of perfectionism identified in psychology?

Answer 5

Healthy perfectionism and unhealthy perfectionism.

Question 6

Describe ‘healthy perfectionism’ in terms of its motivation.

Answer 6

Healthy perfectionism is internally driven, motivated by strong personal values like quality and excellence.

Question 7

Describe ‘unhealthy perfectionism’ in terms of external concerns.

Answer 7

Unhealthy perfectionism is externally driven, often influenced by parental pressure, a need for approval, rumination over past performances, and intense worry about making mistakes.

Question 8

True or False: Healthy perfectionists are highly concerned with outside factors such as approval and past mistakes.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

What practice can help combat unhealthy perfectionism?

Answer 9

Routinely asking the right questions to shift focus and encourage small experiments or ‘little bets.’

Question 10

Why are questions important in combating unhealthy perfectionism?

Answer 10

Questions direct our focus, guide actions, and help prevent paralysis by promoting acceptance of small failures.