Our minds tend to cling to what’s familiar, a clear sign of cognitive bias.
Think of a child’s first day at kindergarten. They might resist, clinging to their parents. But before long, that same child is eager to get to school each morning. This shift shows how initial resistance often fades as we get used to new experiences.
Now, think about your habits. Maybe you are scrolling through your phone in comfort, a benefit of modern life. Meanwhile, a tribe deep in the Amazon resists these advancements, holding onto their traditions. Like them, we often hold onto our beliefs, even when new ideas surface.
Music is another shared experience. Remember that wedding song you couldn’t stop dancing to? You knew every word. Now, picture a famous artist at a concert – he barely speaks, and the crowd goes wild. A new artist doesn’t get the same reaction and has to prove themselves quickly. That shows how familiarity breeds acceptance, while the new often faces skepticism.
Religion also highlights bias. Many beliefs that are widely accepted today faced resistance before. That’s why #HugDayEvent remains neutral on religion. We aim to build a community focused on healthy living, regardless of your beliefs. We only encourage that your beliefs support the healthy lifestyle you deserve.
Cognitive bias is subtle but powerful. Think about the murmurs when someone receives an award. The judges likely chose based on expertise, but emotions often shape our reactions. This tension between holding onto old norms and embracing new realities is everywhere, even in business. Consider how people reacted when Jeff Bezos left a stable job to sell books online. Or how Blackberry dismissed the iPhone’s lack of a physical keypad. Cognitive bias can prevent us from seeing possibilities until it’s too late.
So, how should we handle new ideas?
Never lose your curiosity. Pause, reflect, and question. Sometimes, waiting before jumping to conclusions is the best approach.
Cognitive bias isn’t easy to shake, but recognising it is the first step. What biases would you like to overcome to embrace a healthier lifestyle?
“I want people to believe in themselves. I want intellectual curiosity. I want someone who realizes that they don’t know it all and that they’re dying to learn.”
– Kevin Plank
