Our brain is unique, it controls all the processes of life and thought, but thanks to the development of science, we can follow the mechanisms behind its work. Surprisingly, a serious obstacle to self-knowledge and self-improvement is the ability of one part of our brain to deceive another.How not to fall into brain traps and protect yourself from mistakes in achieving goals, Dmitry Mezentsev, founder of MDV Schools of Communication and Arts, public speaking coach, told the Inc-News portal. public and in effective communication. Human brain.image source: freepik.com
Cognitive distortions or the culprit of deception
Every day we perform thousands of actions, draw hundreds of conclusions and make lots of mistakes. Yes, this process is inevitable due to the basic parameters of the brain that have formed over the centuries-old evolution of mankind. It’s fine to think of yourself as a rationally thinking and conscious person, but in fact most of the decisions we make are based on prejudices, stereotypes and beliefs. All this can be characterized by such a concept as “cognitive distortions”. They are processes that lead to illogical, preconceived conclusions or stereotypes. They distort our perception of reality.For example, because of such systemic errors, people often make rash purchases, dramatize, exaggerate or underestimate what is happening. By realizing the cause of a particular reaction, we can more objectively assess what is happening.Often we rely on our inner instincts, our intuition, and end up in the trap of self-deception – we forget the real goals and succumb to emotional temptations.Cognitive biases can be represented in four categories:• A lot of information. The problem lies in the overabundance of information and the formation of information noise; • There is not enough meaning. Situations where there is difficulty in understanding • Speed ​​of reaction. Cases where you need to respond quickly to something: • Memory capacity. The ratio of information that is remembered and forgotten.It is important to understand that, alas, it is impossible to completely get rid of the trappings of thought. In today’s world, the brain is overflowing with information and cognitive distortions are its attempt to cope with the uncontrolled flow of thoughts in our mind.Currently, there are more than 200 scientifically proven cognitive distortions. Today we are going to talk about three typical errors that we encounter most often in professional activities and daily life.
Illusion of specialness
Forgive me astrologers, tarologists and sorcerers, but the first trap of thought lies in the illusion of specialness or the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon.Surely you have noticed that as soon as you learn something new, you start encountering it everywhere. Generally everywhere. As soon as you learn a new word, you immediately start encountering it in every book or advertisement. This is just one vivid example of the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, which is explained by the fact that increased attention to a phenomenon or object creates the illusion that it appears more often.And so it turns out that as soon as a person receives a tarot alignment or an astro forecast, he begins to focus on the information received. As a result, he immediately receives “irrefutable” evidence, justifying all the facts.Our brain is too adept at noticing what it thinks is right. And masterfully knows how to ignore what he doesn’t need. Therefore, people tend to see and interpret information in a way that confirms their beliefs and illusions.
naive realism
We tend to seek out and interpret information in a way consistent with our point of view. The egocentric distortion is to blame – a person’s inability to perceive someone else’s point of view. It is this trap that leads us to ignore a point of view different from our own, to rely solely on our perception, believing that our worldview is the only objective. Therefore, situations where someone disagrees with us cause outrage, resentment and misunderstanding. As a result, there is a false sense that everyone thinks and feels the same as us, they want the same as us. This is a very common and harmful delusion that leads to self-obsession. Try to accept the fact that everyone is different, so others might not like what you like. Everyone has their own opinion, due to their personal experience and characteristics. It doesn’t mean the person is wrong, just different.
Opposite effect
Sometimes when you communicate with someone, you feel like they don’t hear or understand you. This is just one example of another cognitive bias, the backlash effect.The difficulty lies in the fact that the more you start to prove the interlocutor wrong, the more he believes in his own opinion. A vicious circle is formed when any attempt to convince comes up against a wall of incomprehension.This is a more dangerous version of confirmation bias, when no matter how much evidence is presented to a person that contradicts their position, it only reinforces the accuracy of their beliefs.If you understand that the interlocutor does not hear you or does not listen to you, do not opt ​​for a confrontation. It will only make the situation worse. Try to rephrase your point of view and offer a different perspective on the issue.Having realized and accepted at least these 3 cognitive distortions, life will become much easier. And the achievement of the goals is closer. Take care of yourself and don’t be fooled by beliefs and prejudices.See also: What is strength? how to become a strong person. “Strong personality” is perhaps one of the best compliments. Experts will talk about the development of inner strength.
