Monday Security Memo

Intellectual Firepower for Professionals

Beware of The Pike Effect

“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”

— Sven Goran Eriksson

In the late 1800s, a fascinating experiment was conducted by researchers studying animal behavior. They placed a pike — a predatory fish — into a tank filled with smaller fish it normally preyed upon. As expected, the pike immediately began hunting and feeding.

Then the researchers inserted a glass barrier into the tank, separating the pike from the smaller fish. The pike repeatedly tried to attack its prey but slammed into the invisible barrier each time. After enough failed attempts, the pike stopped trying altogether.

Here’s the surprising part: eventually the glass barrier was removed. The smaller fish were once again free in the tank with the pike. But, the pike didn’t attack them. Even though the barrier was gone, the pike had learned that trying was pointless. It had conditioned itself to believe the opportunity was no longer there.

This phenomenon is often called The Pike Effect. It’s a powerful metaphor for human behavior.

Sadly, some people convince themselves that they are either jinxed, suffering from perpetual discrimination, or have an eternal case of the "poor me's." If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

At some point in life, most of us encounter our own “glass barriers.” Maybe it’s a failed business venture, a missed promotion, a difficult economic climate, or a personal setback that makes us question what’s possible. After enough disappointments, it becomes easy to believe that the barriers are permanent... even when they’ve disappeared.

But troubled times often create the illusion of limits that no longer exist.

The truth is that opportunities, like those smaller fish in the tank, are still there. The environment may have changed. The barriers may have been removed. Yet many people stop trying because of past failures.

History shows that some of the most meaningful breakthroughs happen precisely when circumstances look the most uncertain. The lesson of the Pike Effect is simple: don’t let yesterday’s barriers define today’s possibilities.

Sometimes the only thing separating us from progress is the willingness to try again.

Stay safe and vigilant!

Luke Bencie