Our minds set up many traps for us. Unless we’re aware of them, these traps can seriously hinder our ability to think rationally, leading us to bad reasoning and making stupid decisions. Features of our minds that are meant to help us may, eventually, get us into trouble.
1. The Anchoring Trap: Over-Relying on First Thoughts
What can you do about it?
Always view a problem from different perspectives.
Think on your own before consulting others.
Seek information from a wide variety of sources.
2. The Status Quo Trap: Keeping on Keeping On
What can you do about it?
Consider the status quo as just another alternative.
Avoid exaggerating switching costs.
3. The Sunk Cost Trap: Protecting Earlier Choices
What can you do about it?
Be OK with making mistakes.
Listen to people who were not involved in the earlier decisions.
4. The Confirmation Trap: Seeing What You Want to See
5. The Incomplete Information Trap: Review Your Assumptions
clipped from: litemind.com 