Sometimes our mind deceives us. It is very difficult to be objective and to see reality as it happens, on the contrary, we often get carried away by prejudices and preconceived ideas. There are many forms of self-botage, but one of the most striking is the einstellung effect.
This cognitive inclination, with a name of German origin, translates into Portuguese as an “installation effect”. It is a phenomenon by which what we previously think of a topic affects the way we interpret what is happening.
- For this reason.
- Our brain does not allow us to see things as they really are; on the contrary.
- We are wrong to observe reality.
- So we are not in a position to find a suitable solution to a problem.
In this article we will see exactly what the einstellung effect is, we will also see some of the areas where this happens most often, so with this knowledge it will be easier to avoid it when it arises.
One of the most surprising discoveries of psychology is that we do not work with reality, but with what we perceive or interpret, the truth is that our brain interprets the information it receives through the senses, through this mediation, the way we observe the world. is influenced by our past beliefs and experiences.
Thus, in the face of a situation, we devote part of our attention to the search for precedents or associations that allow us to interpret this new situation, actions that may come from our memory, but can also be linked to our way of thinking. .
The effects of this interpretation are so powerful that we will never find two exactly identical narratives about the same fact, in fact, we can even find two radically different texts, written by people who have lived the same thing.
In the einstellung effect, this peculiarity of our mind prevents us from acting effectively in the face of a situation, in the face of a problem, this cognitive bias will make us react as we always have in similar circumstances. is often not the most useful.
Acting by inertia does not usually work well, on the contrary, in the face of a complex situation it is often more useful to stop and think about the best way forward, to do so you have to be aware of the areas in which the einstellung effect occurs. Only then can we remain vigilant and prevent him from dominating us.
Below is a short list of areas where the einstellung effect is most powerful. Of course, this can happen many other times, but in the following situations, its consequences can be particularly disastrous.
How we relate to others is often determined by our childhood experiences. Studies on the subject have indicated that childhood behavior in social situations usually changes very little.
In this context, the einstellung effect makes us respond to others in a way that may not be the best. Unless we are experts in social skills, it is often much more effective to consciously choose how we want to act with others.
Thus, for example, conscious reflection on the relationship with others can allow us to change a passive or aggressive communicative style through self-affirmation, it will improve our well-being and the way people perceive us.
Usually, when we start a new job we have to go through a period of learning, at this time we are not very familiar with our tasks and, therefore, we are trying to identify the best way to perform them. getting used to working, we put aside this desire to innovate.
What if there was a better way to do your job?What if you could save time and effort just by thinking about the end of your tasks?The einstellung effect prevents you from seeing this reality, but the truth is that there is always room for improvement, even in less creative professions.
Often, when we have time for ourselves, we act out of inertia, instead of choosing an activity that stimulates us, we get carried away by routine and tiredness, so although we have been testing a new hobby or hobby for years, we end up spending hours in front of the TV or computer screen.
Why are we doing this? In part, the einstellung effect is responsible. This cognitive bias prevents us from seeing that there are better alternatives, so we need to consciously think about what we want to do when we have free time.
As we have seen, the einstellung effect is one of the main reasons not to take advantage of our time, by preventing the search for alternatives always makes us make the same mistakes.
However, combating it is relatively simple: just offer to be more aware of what you choose to do at all times.
Of course, it’s easier said than done. Still, being able to do that just takes a little practice. If you think paying more attention to what you choose to do on a daily basis can help, try this for a few weeks. You will be surprised at the changes that may occur. in your life in such a short time.