The Science of Self

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00:02:33 Preferring Simplicity

00:05:52 Relying On Contrast

00:08:16 Avoid All Loss

00:12:46 Reduce Risk

00:16:29 The Resulting Trap

00:21:35 Confirmation Bias

00:25:08 Gambler’s Fallacy

00:27:51 Rosy Retrospection

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• Through no fault of our own, there are many ways our brains can actively fool us into suboptimal decisions.

• The first cognitive bias is a preference for simplicity and a distrust for complexity. Sadly, life isn’t always so simple. This can lead us to prefer the simpler, more direct option over options that are perceived to be more complex and have hidden factors.

• The second cognitive bias is a reliance on contrast and relative value. This makes us susceptible to terrible decisions because relative value is meaningless to us—the only thing that should matter is objective and absolute value.

• The third cognitive bias is a tendency to avoid losses. The psychological harm of a loss is exponentially that of the psychological benefit of a gain—thus, we seek to avoid losses in decisions whenever possible, even when it is illogical.

• The fourth cognitive bias is a tendency to reduce risk. This is similar to the tendency to avoid losses. We act to reduce risk because it feels psychologically more comfortable and less stressful, despite usually being a poorer decision overall.

• Cognitive biases are actually the most natural and instinctual way of thinking, which is bad news for your decision-making muscle. This chapter represents four more common cognitive biases that will cause suboptimal decisions.

• Confirmation bias is when you see or interpret things only to bolster your pre-existing assumptions and beliefs. This can cause, in a word, blindness.

• The gambler’s fallacy is when you try to find patterns in random, chaotic events that you have no control over. There is a lack of using actual evidence.

• Rosy retrospection is when you emphasize the positive nature of a past experience and apply that incorrect assessment to a current situation. Your biased memory calls the shots here, not your wealth of past experiences.

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• This kind of self-reflection allows you to see exactly what areas you need to work on and see whether your efforts are resulting in progress.

• Depending on which aspects you identify as under-developed, you can do a lot to improve.

• To find positive mentors, reach out to others and network, or simply ask for help and advice from accomplished people.

• To develop sensory rich vision, make a goal collage or practice visualization to conjure up a vivid, five-sense image of the end you’re aiming for. To increase self-belief, actively court failure and rejection—to prove to yourself that your worth as a person doesn’t stem from these things. Meditation, mindfulness, and self-care also go a long way to cultivating self-compassion.

• To have better planning and organization, start by decluttering both your mind and workspace to cut down on distractions. Set up habits that allow you to atomate, delegate and concentrate.

• To build skills and education, keep reading. Become curious, and ask questions, learning where you can. To improve patience and perseverance, focus on the smallest, sustainable change you can make and keep up every day. To see work as play, change your language. Don’t say, “I have to do XYZ,” but instead say, “I choose to do XYZ.” Remember, nobody is forcing you to be the best version of yourself.

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Peter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition.

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