Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal Snippet 26: Cognitive Biases That Are Giving You Anxiety (And How To Avoid Them) - Dr Julie Smith
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Nov 7, 2023 Anxiety often stems from cognitive biases that twist our thinking. Dr. Julie Smith discusses how personalizing events can amplify anxiety by turning neutral situations into personal criticisms. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing these mental traps and provides practical strategies to reframe our thoughts. By understanding these biases, we can foster a healthier self-perception and emotional well-being, ultimately breaking the cycle of anxious thinking.
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Cognitive Biases: Shortcuts, Not Pathologies
- Cognitive biases like personalization are normal human shortcuts for explaining events.
- They're not pathological, but rather quick survival mechanisms based on limited information.
Personalization Example: The Unreturned Wave
- Imagine waving to someone across the street and they don't wave back.
- Personalization makes you assume they hate you, disregarding other possibilities.
Managing Personalization: Labeling and Alternatives
- Labeling a thought as "personalizing" helps create distance.
- Consider alternative explanations, even if your initial thought might be true.
