How the mind blinds us to reality by showing us what we want to believe.

We don't see with our eyes; we see with our stories. In 1951, psychologists proved that fans from opposing teams physically saw different fouls during the same game. This is the power and danger of perception.

It is the tension between what is real and what we believe is possible. When a doctor gives a patient a placebo, the patient heals not because of medicine, but because of the story of the medicine.

In this episode, we explore the cognitive biases that shape our culture and our work. From the "Baader-Meinhof" phenomenon to the tragedy of Napoleon’s retreat, we examine how our perceptions limit our possibilities.

Actionable Takeaways:

Change the narrative: Use the Placebo Effect to create positive outcomes through the power of expectation.
See the system: Recognize how the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon highlights opportunities you previously ignored.
Reframing value: Use the Contrast Effect to understand how relative comparison dictates the worth of your work.