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How does self-deception impact decision-making?

Rosella Pitfield

Well well well, if it isn't my old friend self-deception. We've all been there, right? Trying to convince ourselves that we can eat that extra slice of pizza without consequences, or that we can totally wake up early and hit the gym (spoiler alert: we can't). But have you ever stopped to think about how self-deception can impact our decision-making in more serious situations?

Let's start by defining self-deception. It's the act of fooling oneself into believing something that isn't true, either consciously or unconsciously. We all do it to some extent, but it becomes a problem when it starts affecting our choices and actions.

One of the most obvious ways self-deception impacts decision-making is by clouding our judgement. Think about it: if we're lying to ourselves about a situation or our abilities, how can we make rational, informed decisions? We might make choices based on what we want to be true, rather than what actually is. This can lead to poor outcomes and even disaster in some cases.

Another way self-deception can impact decision-making is by causing us to ignore warning signs or red flags. If we're convinced that everything is fine and dandy, we might miss key indicators that something is amiss. This can be especially problematic in relationships or business situations, where ignoring warning signs can lead to serious consequences.

Self-deception can also impact decision-making by making us overconfident. If we believe we're better at something than we actually are, we might take risks or make decisions that are too risky. Overconfidence can also lead us to underestimate challenges or obstacles, which can derail our plans.

So, how do we combat self-deception and make better decisions? The first step is to be honest with ourselves. We need to recognize when we're trying to convince ourselves of something that isn't true and strive to see the situation clearly. This means being open to feedback and willing to consider alternative viewpoints.

Another important step is to practice self-awareness. We can't combat self-deception if we're not aware of it in the first place. Taking time for self-reflection and introspection can help us recognize our blind spots and biases.

Finally, it's important to surround ourselves with people who will challenge us and hold us accountable. If we're only listening to voices that agree with us, we're more likely to fall victim to self-deception. Having people in our lives who will ask tough questions and push us to consider different perspectives can help us make better decisions.

In conclusion, self-deception can have a major impact on our decision-making. It can cloud our judgement, cause us to ignore warning signs, and make us overconfident. However, by being honest with ourselves, practicing self-awareness, and surrounding ourselves with accountability partners, we can combat self-deception and make more informed, rational choices. And who knows, maybe we'll even be able to resist that extra slice of pizza next time.