“New Year, Old Bias: Embracing Our Cognitive Quirks”
“New Year’s resolutions often succumb to our cognitive biases, such as the planning fallacy and optimism bias. We overestimate our ability to transform while underestimating the obstacles ahead. Ambitious goals, whether becoming a fitness guru or a morning person, often result in returning to old habits sooner than anticipated.
As the year draws closer, recency bias and the peak-end rule influence our minds, magnifying recent events and overshadowing earlier experiences. This biased recall distorts our perception, much like judging a book solely by its concluding chapters.
Recognising these biases sheds light on human decision-making, injecting humour and depth into our understanding. Rather than aiming for lofty ideals, acknowledging the quirks of our cognitive wiring allows us to approach resolutions with realistic expectations and nuanced reflections. Let’s embrace the charming chaos of our wonderfully biased minds as we enter the new year.
Speaking of embracing change, at CSBC, we comprehend the virtue of steady progress. Our commitment to behavioural change originates from the understanding that transformation often involves gradual, consistent steps rather than abrupt overhauls. Through extensive research, rigorous trials, and thorough testing, we’ve witnessed the potency of small, deliberate actions in fostering growth.
Our expertise in behavioural science, design, economics, and related fields empowers us to catalyse impactful transformations. Whether in nutrition, sanitation, maternal health, family planning, or financial services, we advocate collaborative approaches that integrate various disciplines. We firmly believe that genuine change isn’t just about radical upheavals but the culmination of consistent efforts and nuanced adjustments that accrue over time, propelling us forward.
In essence, just as recognising cognitive biases enriches our perception, acknowledging the importance of gradual progress illuminates the path to meaningful change. Here’s to a new year that embraces both the intricacies of our minds and the virtue of steady, deliberate steps toward growth and transformation.”
We wish everyone a year brimming with learning, growth, and the sheer joy of progress!
Warm regards,
Center for Social and Behavioral Change
