The quality of our decisions today will determine the quality of our life tomorrow. However, even smart people make stupid decisions.
But by far, the most powerful is "confirmation bias (认知偏差)" which refers to our tendency to look for and favor evidence that confirms our pre-existing beliefs and at the same time ignores or devalues information that contradicts our beliefs. Then, how can we best fight against confirmation biases and avoid making bad decisions?
Step 1: Practice self-awareness.
Self-awareness is a process of discovery, of exploring your inner knowing. Becoming more self-aware can help you understand your wants, needs, and desires as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Studies have shown that self-awareness exercises that encourage you to slow down and relax could also help you to improve your creativity and decision-making. Some common techniques like journaling and observing others are simple and powerful.
Step 2:
It takes courage to admit you're wrong after the fact. It takes even more courage to disprove and challenge your own assumptions before the decision. Next time you're faced with a problem or challenge, try not to make unreasonable decision based simply on your personal beliefs and emotions. This will prepare you to make a well-rounded good decision.
Next time you feel absolutely certain about a decision, remember that you may be wrong. Stay open-minded to the possibility that there is a lot more information that you don't know yet. After all, people may easily fall into victims of confirmation biases.
A. Prove yourself wrong.
B. Have courage to face challenges.
C. Here are different methods to make wise decisions.
D. Two simple steps can help you avoid making bad decisions.
E. There are several mental errors that may affect decision-making.
F. Instead, seek out all possible ideas that may contradict your current beliefs.
G. There are many exercises and activities you can do to develop your self-awareness.
