Confirmation bias was the focus in my neuroscience monthly study group this month. Interesting topic.
The Dictionary definition of confirmation bias is, “the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories.”
In our readings there was a quote from Warren Buffet which states…
“What the human being is best at doing is interpreting all new information so that their prior conclusions remain intact.”
This is not surprising since evaluating new information takes a lot of mental energy. And in this era of fast technological growth, we are bombarded with more information daily than ever before in human history.
It is EXHAUSTING.
I personally have thought of confirmation bias as a bias we held about something outside of ourselves, however our group talked a lot about confirmation biases we hold about ourselves. This is where it gets interesting.
What is your confirmation bias about yourself? Is it positive or is it negative?
These can be as simple as “I am not a good public speaker”, “I’m not athletic”, “I can’t dance”, or on a positive note, maybe “I’m a good cook”, “I am a people person”, “I’m organized and manage my time well”.
Our beliefs about ourselves can hold us down or lift us up.
They impact our emotional, physical, and mental health, as well as our brain neuroplasticity.
Explore your own confirmation biases starting with yourself before looking outward.
You probably have many, and they are most likely so much a part of who you are, you are not even aware of them.
Like most things, the first step is to identify them, then check in with yourself, do these hold me down or lift me up?
I would be happy to work with you to explore how you might create a shift to no longer hold yourself down but instead lift yourself up. Reach out to set up an informational call.
