The Tricks Our Brains Play
This week I’ve been thinking about how our brains can tell us things that aren’t actually true. It had me wondering why that happens and if there are ways to change it.
Our brain is incredible, but sometimes the shortcuts it developed can trick us unknowingly. A lot of this comes from an evolutionary activity developed to process information quickly to keep us safe, but in modern life, these things can lead us astray. A little research into this topic says that one way we can be tricked is through something called cognitive biases. Our brains have built-in tendencies that shape how we see the world, make decisions, and go about our lives. These cognitive shortcuts are patterns of thinking that make us see the world in a way that isn’t always accurate. Two of the biggest are confirmation bias and negativity bias. They’re often working in the background, steering us without us even realizing it.
Confirmation bias pushes us to look for evidence that supports what we already believe, even if that belief isn’t true. It makes us seek out information that supports what we already believe while ignoring anything that contradicts it. That tendency can keep us stuck, seeing only what we expect to see. Negativity bias makes us focus more on negative experiences than positive ones. It makes the bad stuff seem bigger and more important than it really is, which can hold us back from taking risks or appreciating the good.
Once we know how these biases operate, we can use them to our advantage. If our brains are wired to confirm what we believe, then let’s be intentional about what we choose to believe. And if negativity bias makes us want to avoid bad experiences, we can use that too. Instead of letting them run the show, we can actually turn them into tools that work for us.
Confirmation bias and negativity bias aren’t going anywhere, but when we direct them with intention, they become powerful tools for building the life we want. When you design your habits, spaces, and mindset with this in mind, these biases will actually work in your favor instead of holding you back.
For example, if you start identifying as someone who follows through, your mind will look for evidence to support that. If you surround yourself with people, stories, and reminders that reinforce the kind of person you want to be, your brain will do the rest. And, if you know that not following through on something will make you feel like you’re proving the opposite of who you want to be, that can be a powerful push to stay consistent. Instead of just saying, “I want to be a writer,” make the negative consequence of not writing more obvious. Set deadlines, create accountability, and build an environment that nudges you in the right direction.
It also helps to be aware of when confirmation bias is keeping us from growing. It’s easy to fall into the trap of only looking for proof that we’re right, but real growth happens when we challenge ourselves to see things differently. Seeking out different perspectives and being open to changing your mind is one of the best ways to make sure you’re not unintentionally limiting yourself.
These brain quirks aren’t bad. They help us process the overwhelming amount of information we deal with every day. When we recognize them, though, we can start making adjustments. We can challenge our assumptions, reframe our thoughts, and set up our lives in ways that keep us from getting stuck in these mental traps.
What’s one way your brain has tricked you lately?
