“Confirmation bias is the tendency of humans to seek information that confirms an already held belief or opinion and to avoid or discount information that might contradict an existing belief or opinion.”
Let’s say you believe that where you live is absolutely the worst place. When this is your belief you look for things that are wrong. You pay attention to the buildings that need painting instead of the great friends you have met a church.
“When we're under the spell of confirmation bias, it's easy to miss turning points because we're stuck on our current belief or opinion and won't change even when we see contradicting evidence.”
Because all you can see is the negative, you miss the great parks and historical sites that are around your new location. Even when you learn something new and good you refuse to change your opinion.
“How do we overcome this pull? Here are two keys that could help:
1-Acknowledge that confirmation bias exists. Knowing that it exists helps us try to avoid falling into its trap.
2-Actively seek contradictory opinions.”
To change your view of your situation, you first have to admit you are biased. You really liked the last place you lived and this place is just different.
Once you admit that it is not the same you can actively start looking for what is good in the new location. Ask others what they like about this place and what really neat things they have discovered here. Be open to new ideas.
Until you acknowledge that you are biased you will keep seeing things exactly the same.
Quotes taken from PAX Financial Group Newsletter, January 23, 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment