Ever notice how one bad moment can ruin an otherwise great experience? This week, we’re walking you through the recency effect: a cognitive bias that causes us to give more weight to the most recent interactions when forming memories and judgments. It doesn’t matter if it was a bad end to a good meeting, or delayed flights at the end of a wonderful vacation; endings disproportionately shape how we feel, what we remember, and the decisions we make next. But we don’t want to end this episode on a bad note - we share actionable strategies so you can take control of your “endings” and help you avoid letting a single moment distort the bigger picture.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] Recency Effect: When One Bad Ending Ruins Everything

[6:18] When One Great (or Bad) Moment Changes Everything

[10:25] Why This Bias Can Be Dangerous

[13:48] Strategy #1: Design Your Endings with Purpose

[15:36] Strategy #2: Pause and Challenge Your Judgments

[17:07] Thinking in Data Points, Not Just Feelings

[19:10] A Warning for Leaders

[20:38] The Question That Changes Everything