Can our brains lie to us?
While the question is multi-faceted, the answer is resoundingly, and frighteningly, yes.
Hidden personal biases and perception distortions, called Cognitive Distortions, are present in every one of us, regardless of age, experience, or intellect. And they can help us or harm us as they operate, often unchecked, ‘behind the curtain’ in our mind’s processing systems.
The most effective critical thinkers are observantly aware of their own thinking.
Sound thinkers self-investigate their assumptions, opinions, and reactions to identify if any common thinking pitfalls could be distorting their ability to see things accurately, rather than through a slanted or assumptive filter.
As trusted leaders, it is imperative that our thinking is balanced and clear from manipulations or bias, especially those of our own making.
Research shows that even the most sober, objective thinkers can’t simply trust that they see things as they are.
These 3 selected reads introduce you to the most prevalent cognitive distortions that can handicap your thinking and twist your sense of reality, and ways you can safeguard yourself from yourself.
They also offer some simple tips to implement a sound cognitive-checking process you can use that will help you “fact check” to be sure you are seeing things clearly – even in the face of triggers, emotional swaying, and strong personal opinions.
Also, we’ve linked to a great, short audio book – 5 Elements of Effective Thinking – that will take your critical thinking prowess to the next level.
Don’t trust your brain to tell you the truth.
Don’t blindly trust your best intentions or gut instincts.
When others rely on you for direction, vision, and balanced perspective, you owe it to them to take intentional steps to ensure your perceptions are as bias-free as possible.
Coach Faith
5 Elements of Effective Thinking – Short Audiobook
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking presents practical, lively, and inspiring ways for you to become more successful through better thinking. The idea is simple: You can learn how to think far better by adopting specific strategies. Brilliant people aren’t a special breed–they just use their minds differently. By using the straightforward and thought-provoking techniques in The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking, you will regularly find imaginative solutions to difficult challenges, and you will discover new ways of looking at your world and yourself–revealing previously hidden opportunities. The book offers real-life stories, explicit action items, and concrete methods that allow you to attain a deeper understanding of any issue, exploit the power of failure as a step toward success, develop a habit of creating probing questions, see the world of ideas as an ever-flowing stream of thought, and embrace the uplifting reality that we are all capable of change. No matter who you are, the practical mind-sets introduced in the book will empower you to realize any goal in a more creative, intelligent, and effective manner.
What is Cognitive Bias?
Research suggests that cognitive training can help minimize cognitive biases in thinking. Some things that you can do to help overcome biases that might influence your thinking and decision-making include:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cognitive-bias-2794963
10 Cognitive Biases That Distort Your Thinking
“While we might all like to believe that we are rational and logical, the sad fact is that we are constantly under the influence of cognitive biases that distort our thinking, influence our beliefs, and sway the decisions and judgments we make each and every day.
Sometimes these biases are fairly obvious, and you might even find that you recognize these predispositions. Others are so subtle that they are almost impossible to notice.
Since our attention is a limited resource and we can’t possibly evaluate every possible detail and event in forming our thoughts and opinions, there is ample room for these biases to enter our thought process and affect our decisions. The following are just a few of the different cognitive biases that have a powerful influence on how you think, how you feel, and how you behave.”
https://www.verywellmind.com/cognitive-biases-distort-thinking-2794763
Cognitive Distortions: When Your Brain Lies to You
“Cognitive distortions are biased perspectives we take on ourselves and the world around us. They are irrational thoughts and beliefs that we unknowingly reinforce over time.
These patterns and systems of thought are often subtle–it’s difficult to recognize them when they are a regular feature of your day-to-day thoughts. That is why they can be so damaging since it’s hard to change what you don’t recognize as something that needs to change!
Cognitive distortions come in many forms (which we’ll cover later in this piece), but they all have some things in common.”
https://positivepsychology.com/cognitive-distortions/
Have a great weekend!!
Secret Weapon Leader Team
