The Pike Effect

Last week I put out an article that talked about making platonic friendships with same-sex peers – a challenge for many of us. This week, I want to build on that foundation by highlighting a concept that feels like a natural extension. It's called the Pike Effect.

The Pike Effect, also known as Pike Syndrome, refers to the psychological phenomenon of 'learned helplessness,' where repeated failures or obstacles condition an individual to stop trying, even after the barriers are removed. It originates from a classic experiment conducted in 1873 by German zoologist Dr. Karl Mobius¹.

In the experiment, a predatory pike fish was placed in a tank with smaller prey fish, but separated by a clear glass barrier. The pike repeatedly attempted to attack the prey, only to collide with the glass, causing pain and failure. Over time, the pike ceased its efforts; when the barrier was eventually removed, the pike did not resume hunting, even as the prey swam freely nearby — in some retellings, it even starved to death despite the abundance of food.

Here's a clip I came across online that illustrates the concept:

In my life, I've often felt like the pike. Trying to fit in, trying to make friends, trying to be one of the guys. And for a number of reasons, I've felt like I was destined to failure. Sometimes I think my life would be easier if I was more attracted to women, if I was taller, had better hair, was more confident, and made more money. These perceived inadequacies are some of my glass walls.

In some ways, they prevent me from putting myself out there or trying. I come up with excuses to not attend social events. Excuses not to try. But in the experiment, that's exactly how the pike dies. It's not cause there wasn't opportunity. It died because it stopped trying.

It's true that earlier experiences set up the pike for failure. But when circumstances changed, the only barrier that remained was in it's mind. Similarly, our early experiences — often rejection, confusion, or shame — teach us to fear. We learn to hide and cope in ways that feel safe, but ultimately starve us.

But sometimes when circumstances change, we may not even be aware of it. We might think the glass is still there, even when it's not.

I think the takeaway is this: we can choose to keep trying. We don't have to give up. For a long time, I thought I would be content living a single, celibate life. But that doesn't sit well with me anymore. It feels like I could do more. As if my foot is only halfway on the gas. But if I want to reach my goals, I best have my foot to the floor.

One of my greatest fears is not living up to my full potential. I don't want to look back on my life and wish that I did something different. I want to have given it my all. And I think that fear now is stronger for me than the fear of failure.

So I'm recommitted to trying. Small positive experiences can help start to break that glass. I sat next to some new people at church this week and made some new acquaintances. It sounds like something small, but it took some effort. I think it paid off too.

My new friends seemed genuinely interested in me and my line of work. They asked me questions and I asked them some. Conversation flowed naturally. At the end of our chat, I came away feeling better about myself. They were interested in my interests. And that boosted my confidence. While that small interaction was probably not lifechanging, I can see how such experiences could add up. And I feel like next time it will be easier.

I want to be unafraid. I want to be confident. And I think this where 'fake it till you make it' comes into play. Sometimes, projecting the confidence you want, even if it's not fully there yet, is the catalyst for change.

To a certain extent, we all start in environments that aren't ideal — maybe family dynamics fostered confusion and emotional wounds leading to glass walls around us. As a result, we develop ways to get by. But the takeaway from the Pike Effect is that we can choose differently. We don't have to stay stuck.

I hope we can all push against our barriers – whatever they might be – even if it hurts. I hope you and I keep trying.

1) Editorial Team. (2025, June 3). Pike Syndrome: The terrifying power of self-limiting beliefs. The Hicks Fix. https://www.thehicksfix.com/post/pike-syndrome-the-terrifying-power-of-self-limiting-beliefs