I’m biased; you're biased; everyone is biased. But, I am here to tell you that it’s normal. So, we need to look inward, uncover our biases and create a plan to understand our strengths and weaknesses. 

The research on different biases is endless. However, the main takeaway from my readings is that “perception is reality.” This is a common theme in books about the human brain, psychology, and happiness. If you wake up looking for the good, you’ll find it. If life presents an equation that “seems” impossible, you’ve already stacked the odds against yourself. The examples go on. 

My approach to bias is simple. I understand that I have biases that dictate my perspectives. Learning more about biases is my favorite strategy to navigate through them. Below, you’ll find interesting facts about your brain and why you might think you’re a genius or a giant piece of shit. (Remember, perception is reality! lol)

Our brains use Heuristics to simplify decision-making. However, while simplifying things can be helpful, it doesn't guarantee effectiveness. The availability heuristic is our way of using comparisons to dictate our conclusions. If you can find an example to support your narrative, you increase the odds and speed of coming to that conclusion. 

Confirmation Bias is our brain's sneaky way of only seeking information that reinforces our preexisting ideas. Unfortunately, this hinders our ability to learn and adopt new ways of thinking.

The Negativity Bias is the one I see doing the most damage today. This bias exists when we invest more of our mental bandwidth in negative and less in positive. However, the solution isn't to only focus on the positives. For example, happiness is my favorite tool to help others and myself, but I want to experience a full spectrum of emotions. So, I challenge myself to find humility just as much as I do bliss. Understanding and balancing life’s highs and lows complete the equation for me.

Anchoring is when we value one specific ideology to be sacred and rely on it too much throughout our decision-making process. Unfortunately, this bias can be seen a lot in the medical field. Doctors can cling to their original diagnosis and reject new information suggesting something else. 

The Bandwagoning Effect is where we will do something simply because other people do it. But, of course, we’ve all done this! 

So there you have it! I’m making the executive decision to end this post now. I know this information can be heavy sometimes, especially when it shines a light on something we want to change about ourselves. So let this post serve as an honest look in the mirror, but refrain from getting discouraged. Instead, we can use this information to stop bad habits and form better ones. So smile, you learned something today, and you’ll be better from it tomorrow. 

Sources: 

“Abundance” by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kohler