The Perseverance Effect: How Our Biased Brain Shapes Motivation and Decision Making

The Biased Brain Podcast with Owen Hawthorne

Explore the intriguing world of cognitive biases and human cognition in this engaging podcast. Discover how bias in decision making shapes our perceptions and influences our choices. Join us as we delve into the science behind critical thinking and biases, providing practical insights to enhance your understanding and control over your thought processes. Whether you're a psychology student or curious observer, this podcast offers valuable tools to help you unveil the hidden biases in your mind.

The Perseverance Effect and Finding Real Motivation: How Our Minds Keep Us Hooked

You ever notice how sometimes, no matter what new information you get, you just can’t shake your original belief? Like, you see proof that something isn’t true, but your mind holds on anyway? That, my friend, is a classic example of what psychologists call the perseverance effect. It’s a fascinating part of how human cognition works, especially when it comes to motivation and our everyday decision making.

So, what exactly is this perseverance effect? Imagine you read an article or hear a rumor, and it sticks with you so firmly that even when it’s later debunked, you keep believing it as true. This phenomenon is one of the many cognitive biases — quirks in our thinking that make our brain operate less than perfectly. Our “biased brain,” as Dr. Bo Bennett calls it in his outstanding book, The Biased Brain, feels safer holding on to prior beliefs than constantly reshuffling them every time new information comes along.

This might sound a bit frustrating because, intuitively, you’d think we'd like to just update our beliefs when better data is available, right? But the perseverance effect actually ties into motivation. When you commit to an idea or goal, your brain is wired to protect that commitment. In some ways, it’s a survival mechanism — standing firm gives us a sense of purpose and consistency. That’s why motivation can sometimes feel so stubborn. It’s not just about wanting something; it’s about how our minds guard what we've already started to believe or pursue.

Understanding cognitive biases like the perseverance effect really highlights why “critical thinking and biases” go hand in hand. When you realize your brain naturally favors certain beliefs — even against evidence — you start to get why self-awareness in thinking is crucial. It's not that we’re stubborn creatures on purpose, but our minds prioritize stability over chaos. Changing your mind can sometimes feel like admitting defeat, and no one likes that feeling.

Now, how does this affect motivation day-to-day? Well, say you’re working toward a big goal, like learning a new skill or sticking to a workout routine. The perseverance effect helps you keep pushing forward even when things get tough or when you hit conflicting information that might otherwise make you quit. It’s like your brain’s internal cheerleader, saying, “Hey, remember why you started?” But here’s the catch: if you’re motivated by faulty assumptions or inaccurate beliefs, that same perseverance can keep you stuck down unhelpful paths. This is where bias in decision making becomes super relevant.

Take the example of someone stuck on a career that doesn't satisfy them. They might only focus on stories or opinions validating their current choice, ignoring signs it’s time to switch directions. That’s bias in action, keeping motivations tied to old beliefs rather than open to change. So, while perseverance can be a powerful fuel, it’s important to regularly check in and challenge your thinking with a critical eye.

An important way to do this is by recognizing that motivation isn't just a feeling — it's partly a product of how your brain processes information and holds onto beliefs. When you learn about these mental biases, you can better manage your motivation, turning it into a steady force for growth rather than a stubborn hurdle.

And for anyone curious about the science behind all of these quirks, I highly recommend checking out The Biased Brain by Bo Bennett, PhD. It’s packed with eye-opening insights on cognitive biases, human cognition, and how these play out in everyday life. Whether you’re into psychology, personal development, or just want to better understand why your brain trolls you sometimes, this book has got you covered.

So next time you catch yourself clinging to an outdated belief or pushing through challenges with stubborn determination, pause for a second and think about the perseverance effect. Is your motivation driving success, or is it just your biased brain in action? Being aware of these mental twists not only helps improve critical thinking but makes life’s journey a lot more interesting.

Explore the book and unravel the secrets of your mind today! Visit The Biased Brain to dive into the fascinating world of cognitive biases and learn how to sharpen your thinking to make better choices every day.

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