Why You Actually Overthink
Did you ever find yourself ruminating on something far longer than it deserved?
Hello, overthinking – we've all been there.
And for many of us, these thought spirals have become so routine we hardly notice the hold they have on our lives.
Why is it that some days you feel like Sherlock Holmes, dissecting every event with painstaking detail?
Could be a nasty cognitive bias at play.
Picture these biases as naughty gremlins, tweaking how we process information.
Let me share a personal tale of my skirmishes with these gremlins.
Caught in the "Bias Web" at the Coffee Shop
Picture me, at my local coffee joint.
I say ‘Hi’ to the barista.
He doesn’t greet me with his usual bro-ly demeanor.
Instantly, the overthinking begins.
Did I offend him last time?
Have I done something wrong?
A more realistic explanation?
He had a long day!
Yet, the "Negativity Bias" gremlin – which makes us register negative stimuli more readily than neutral or positive ones – had me conjure up an entire Shakespearean drama.
Mind Over Mind
These cognitive biases, they’re hardwired into our brains from our caveman days.
Great for spotting potential threats like lions.
Not so great when you're pondering why a friend hasn’t texted back yet.
Here's a roll call of the top 9 biases.
Take notes!
1. Confirmation Bias:
Last summer, at a campfire debate about whether aliens exist, I chanced upon a realization.
Whenever someone cited evidence for their existence, I leaned in, ears perked up.
Anything against?
My mind wandered off.
We’re all drawn to what confirms our beliefs, like moths to a flame, even if it blinds us.
2. Negativity Bias:
Ever dwelled on that one negative comment amidst a sea of praise?
Our minds, strangely, give VIP passes to negative comments.
It’s like having a pesky critic whispering in our ear, magnifying the negatives.
3. Anchoring:
Imagine being told a dress costs $200 but is on sale for $50.
You're ecstatic!
But what if it was worth $40 to begin with?
The first price tag becomes our anchor, even if it's adrift from reality.
4. Hindsight Bias:
"I always knew that startup would fail," remarked Tom, after reading the news.
But a year ago?
He considered investing.
Our past selves often appear smarter in the rearview mirror.
5. Status Quo Bias:
I clung to my old phone, even with its glitchy apps and lag.
Why?
Change feels like stepping into a cold shower.
We're creatures of comfort, even if it's outdated.
6. Dunning-Kruger Effect:
Ever felt incredibly confident about a new hobby, only to realize there’s a mountain more to learn?
It’s the cognitive bias where the least competent feel overly assured because they can’t grasp what they don’t know.
7. Self-serving Bias:
When I ace an exam, it's due to my brilliance.
But if I flunk?
It's obviously the professor's fault.
We tend to attribute positive events to our own character but attribute negative events to external factors.
8. Availability Heuristic:
Dramatic events stick in our minds.
If a friend tells me about their terrible plane ride, I might momentarily hesitate to book my next flight.
Even though statistically, flying is incredibly safe.
9. Bandwagon Effect:
Did I need those trendy shoes everyone raved about?
Nope.
We have an innate desire to fit in, leading us to go with the popular flow, regardless of whether it suits our needs or values.
Here's a toolkit to help declutter your mind:
Awareness Is Half the Battle:
Recognize these biases.
Put a label on them.
By knowing, for instance, that it’s the "Confirmation Bias" making you cherry-pick data to support your existing beliefs, you can take a step back and re-evaluate.
Question the Narrative:
The barista saga?
In hindsight, it sounds ludicrous.
When caught in an overthinking loop, ask:
"Would I bet my life’s savings on this conclusion?"
It offers perspective.
Embrace Uncertainty:
Life isn't a math problem.
Sometimes 2+2 doesn’t equal 4, and that's okay.
Cultivate comfort with ambiguity.
Limit Information Intake:
Overconsumption can feed the beast of overthinking.
Be selective about what you read, watch, and who you listen to.
Your Move:
Now that you're aware, challenge yourself!
Spot these biases in action in your daily life.
It's like a mental scavenger hunt.
If you find them influencing a decision, pause, reflect, and decide consciously.
Read & Repeat:
I've found a couple of books that delve deep into understanding cognitive biases.
I highly recommend:
"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
"Predictably Irrational" by Dan Ariely.
Their insights?
Priceless in becoming a mastermind over the gremlins.
Become an Insider:
Loving these insights?
Consider hopping onboard as a paid member of this newsletter.
By becoming a paid member, you're not just investing in content; you're investing in yourself, your future, and the decisions that will shape it.
Join the Conversation:
Which cognitive bias has played you the most?
Got a story?
Let's hear it.
By sharing, we can all become a little wiser!
I’m not done yet.
Missed my last newsletter on “The Paradox of Choice?”
No problem…You can grab it here:
