Day 11: How Confirmation Bias Shapes Your Reality
Your brain is not a neutral observer of reality – it’s an advocate for whatever you already believe.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
KEY INSIGHT: Confirmation bias is your brain’s automatic tendency to seek out, notice, and remember information that supports what you already believe while ignoring contradictory evidence. It acts like a mental filter that narrows your vision and reinforces both good and bad decisions. The antidote isn’t to eliminate this natural tendency – it’s to systematically counteract it by actively seeking to disprove your own assumptions.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Think of a strong opinion or belief you hold about your career, relationships, or finances. When was the last time you seriously considered evidence that might challenge this view? How might confirmation bias be limiting your ability to see new opportunities or recognize emerging problems?
TODAY’S EXERCISE: Choose one important belief or decision you’re confident about. Then deliberately seek out opposing viewpoints:
• Find two credible sources that disagree with your position
• Write down the strongest points they make (even if you don’t agree)
• Ask yourself: “What evidence would it take to change my mind on this?”
• Consider: “What would someone who disagrees with me see that I might be missing?”
The goal isn’t to abandon your beliefs – it’s to hold them more intelligently by understanding their limitations and blind spots.