Chapter 1: The Nature of Cognitive Biases

As I journey through life, I increasingly recognize the irrationality that often guides people's decisions. Many individuals base their choices on beliefs that lack factual support—these are known as cognitive biases. A cognitive bias describes the systematic patterns that deviate from rational thought, leading to irrational judgments. People construct their own "subjective reality" from the information they encounter, rather than responding to objective facts. This subjective construction can heavily influence their actions in the real world, resulting in perceptual distortions, faulty judgments, illogical conclusions, poor business choices, hindered manifestation, and a broader sense of irrationality.

Despite seeming like mere misjudgments, cognitive biases can also serve as shortcuts that help us navigate common situations and life’s challenges. Some biases are adaptive and can lead to more effective actions in specific contexts. They can enable quicker decision-making, which is beneficial when speed is prioritized over accuracy—particularly in scenarios that rely on trial and error.

However, it's crucial to recognize how, when, and where our biases manifest to make informed decisions. Cognitive biases are not fixed; they evolve and adapt. When they are positively oriented, these biases can enhance our decision-making efficiency in various contexts. Yet, some biases stem from our cognitive limitations, which can arise from inadequate mental frameworks, the biological state of individuals, or simply from limited information-processing capabilities.

A wealth of cognitive biases has been cataloged over the past sixty years of research in cognitive science, social psychology, and behavioral economics. Scholars like Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky have shown that biases can have significant implications for clinical judgment, entrepreneurship, finance, and management.

It is essential to avoid destructive biases, such as racism and sexism, which can harm both ourselves and others. A little introspection reveals that everyone possesses biases that can either aid or obstruct rational thinking.

In my role as a strategist and forecaster, I frequently encounter case studies, articles, and videos highlighting poor decisions influenced by cognitive biases. While these biases often lead to negative outcomes, they can also help us identify patterns and create shortcuts that aid in managing common challenges.

By examining and studying cognitive biases, you can acquire essential tools for clearer critical thinking, leading to more practical, effective, and self-aware decision-making—a framework I refer to as PEEPPASA.

Many people suffer because they cling to beliefs that feel true, even when they aren't. If they fail to revise their misguided intuitions or incorrect conclusions based on real evidence, their reasoning often seeks to find justification for their beliefs rather than objectively assessing the situation. This tendency is known as confirmation bias.

Although some psychologists only highlight a few cognitive biases, numerous others exist. Professionals in coaching, mentoring, and therapy can help identify these biases, especially within cognitive behavioral therapy, rational-emotive therapy, and family therapy, which can effectively alter dysfunctional thought patterns.

Through my development of the HAGT method (Harrison's Applied Game Thinking), I’ve observed that the more rational a client becomes, the more effective the counseling process can be. It's challenging to achieve PEEPPASA when burdened by cognitive biases. I often emphasize PEEPPASA as a vital component of decision-making, forecasting, and a self-improvement lifestyle. My experiences indicate that any strategy failing to meet the PEEPPASA criteria is likely to encounter obstacles, often driven by cognitive biases that create unnecessary struggles.

In essence, applying PEEPPASA can make you an expert in navigating your own life.

This narrative is an excerpt from my module on decision-making from my online course, "The Self Improvement Lifestyle." For more information, feel free to contact me at [email protected].

For a decade, Lewis hosted a humor-based Q&A talk show on NPR-affiliated WIOX FM in NY. He manages three free Facebook communities:

• The Self Improvement Lifestyle
• Eastern Mystic Wisdom
• Futurist Community

If you have topic suggestions, please email Lewis at [email protected] or check out his books, blogs, and videos at www.asklewis.com.

Please consider donating to support my research and philanthropic initiatives.

Chapter 2: The Role of Cognitive Biases in Decision-Making

The first video titled "12 Cognitive Biases Explained - How to Think Better and More Logically" delves into various cognitive biases, illustrating how they can distort our thinking and hinder logical reasoning.

The second video, "Cognitive Biases: What They Are, Why They're Important," discusses the significance of understanding these biases and their impact on our everyday decisions.