This is a well-known term of the fact that we process information in the way that will support our own beliefs and/or values. And that gives a great opportunity for all sorts of influence. That influence can come from outside – like hitting specific triggers and pushing in this direction. And that influence can also come from inside – we can catch the trigger and influence our own reaction. Let’s focus on internal component today as this is very powerful tool that can help to mitigate influence from outside too.
Imagine you have a goal, and you look forward to getting there. However, the goal is big, complex and there are a few obstacles on the way. It might be that we set certain expectations, and reality does not match those. This creates noticeable disappointment, and we might start noticing the facts that would confirm the reasons for this disappointment: we are not good enough, there is certain prejudice involved, the world is at the turning point now, so this is the wrong moment and what ever not. This does not actually help us to move forward, rather it goes like a downward spiral – all obstacles seem bigger, and frustration accumulates.
What we can do is to first notice our internal state – “am I disappointed? What is the reason?”, then we can start collecting facts and also look at those facts consciously from different angles – every medal has two sides. As soon as we notice both sides we have an opportunity to leverage same confirmation bias to support us: what facts can be used to help us move forward? How can we transform and interpret it in a different way? And yes, we still might be frustrated, and there still might be unfairness present, but focusing on this won’t move us anywhere. We can challenge even certain beliefs: what statement would support me? What can be different?
So finding other angles can help avoid downward spiral and at least put us on a less energy draining trajectory.
What do you think?
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