Do You Have a Cognitive Bias Towards Action or Thinking?
Episode 646: Show Notes
When you’re trying to express a complex psychological feeling or event, but you aren’t familiar with the agreed-upon terms that experts use to describe it, the experience can be incredibly isolating. Today on the show we discuss a recent conversation we encountered that unpacks the differences between having a cognitive bias towards either action or thinking, and the consequences of that bias.
Anyone who has spent some time listening to our show will likely be familiar with the terms being a ‘doer’ or a ‘be-er’. Tuning in, you’ll hear us discuss how being a doer correlates with a cognitive bias towards action, while being a be-er strongly resembles having a cognitive bias towards thinking. We also cover some of the traps that action takers can fall into, including hasty decision-making and why you need to be able to take action while also making time to process and strategize. Tune in for a breakdown of these fascinating topics, as well as insights into some of the steps you can take to shape your cognitive bias!
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Research Into Cognitive Biases Towards Thinking or Action
Today we’re revisiting the topic of being a be-er or doer. We discuss how this relates to some of the research around having a cognitive bias towards thinking or action, based on a recent clip of Mel Robbins on TikTok where she delves into this very topic. Much of the research shows that having a bias towards action means you’re more likely to be happier, healthier, and more successful. We make an effort to unpack what that means, whether you can change your bias, and what other factors might be at play here.
How To Change Your Cognitive Bias
If you’re a be-er, or you have a cognitive bias towards thinking, then how can you become more of an action taker? One theory is that be-ers need to believe something specific about themselves first before they can take action. As Mel Robbins explains, when you’re uncertain, or unsure, it can prevent you from taking action and result in overthinking.
One way to transition into becoming more of an action taker is through small achievable steps. Hear how taking a small simple step, like deciding to floss every day, and then following through, can help you take the first step important to perceiving yourself as an action taker!
Finding the Balance Between Thinking and Action
There are a lot of important elements that come with having a cognitive bias towards thinking that can often be overlooked. By having a bias towards thinking, you are prioritizing deeper problem-solving processes and taking the time to come up with an informed solution that takes into account multiple perspectives. Whereas when you have a bias towards action, you may often do things without considering them properly. The trick is to find the ideal balance between thinking and action!
What To Expect As You Grow
We expect that the more successful your business becomes the more likely you are to lean more towards thinking. The more successful you are, the more complicated your business is likely to become, which means you’ll be dealing with more uncertainty as you progress. As a result, we expect to lean more into the thinking side of things as we deal with more uncertainty.
How To Use External Motivators To Take Action
For many of us, it’s much easier to keep promises that we’ve made to other people than to ourselves. Whether it’s signing up for an exercise class that has limited slots available or getting a business partner to whom you are accountable, having that external force can be a massive driver for anyone who struggles to take action!
Traps That Action Takers Should Be Aware Of
As an action taker, there are a few traps that you are more likely to fall into than thinkers. The first is that you are likely to create solutions that don’t solve problems. Often when you don’t take the time to think about something deeply enough, you use the first solution that comes to mind. Unfortunately, if you haven’t thought through the consequences then you might just run into the same issue further down the line.
Another trap is that action takers don’t make time to strategize. If we have learned anything in our time as entrepreneurs, it's that you can absolutely take immediate action. But as your business grows, it affects more people, which means it becomes increasingly difficult to pivot and be agile.
As an action taker, you’re also less likely to seek out the necessary input before making irreversible choices. So if you’re an action taker, be sure to keep these traps in mind before you make a decision!
Quote This
I'm a firm believer that you learn from literally every single thing that you do, not just about that instance, but about yourself, and about what you want and about what you don't want.
Highlights
Research Into Cognitive Biases Towards Thinking or Action [0:03:59]
How To Change Your Cognitive Bias [0:04:22]
Finding the Balance Between Thinking and Action [0:09:09]
What To Expect As You Grow [0:17:12]
How To Use External Motivators To Take Action [0:28:09]
Traps That Action Takers Should Be Aware Of [0:38:06]
ON TODAY’S SHOW
Abagail & Emylee
The Strategy Hour Podcast
We help overwhelmed and creative entrepreneurs break down their Oprah-sized dreams to create a functioning command center to tame the chaos of their business. Basically, we think you’re totally bomb diggity, we’re about to uplevel the shiz out of your business.
KEY TOPICS
Cognitive bias, Action, Thinking, Process, Strategy, Business, Accountability, Agility, Pivot
