Why does the author feel that we are succeeding when in reality we are not?

The author believes that we perceive ourselves as succeeding despite the reality of our shortcomings due to our lack of awareness regarding those shortcomings. This perspective emphasizes that individuals or organizations might be engaged in a self-reinforcing cycle where they overlook critical issues, leading them to feel satisfied with their performance. Consequently, this lack of awareness creates a false sense of achievement, as they may not recognize the challenges and deficiencies that need to be addressed for genuine improvement and success.

Recognizing one's own limitations and understanding the areas requiring attention is crucial for growth. Without this self-awareness, efforts can be misdirected, and it becomes challenging to make meaningful progress. This idea contrasts with the notion of setting unrealistic goals or lacking resources, which focus more on external factors rather than the internal perception of success and failure.