Willpower Not Required

Tip #92 - Avoid the Ostrich Effect


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The Ostrich Effect is a cognitive bias happens when we make the decision (consciously or unconsciously) to avoid information even in cases where that information could lead to a positive outcome overall.

It was originally coined to describe the tendency of stock market investors to check the stock market often when markets are performing well and actively avoid checking when they are not. 

More related to our health and wellness, it can show up as:

  • avoiding going to the doctor to avoid a potentially negative health diagnosis
  • avoiding the scale after a vacation to avoid seeing a potential weight gain
  • putting off keeping a food journal to avoid seeing any eating patterns that may make us feel bad about ourselves
  • Though it can be tempting to run away from potentially bad news, in the long run, we’re almost always better off knowing where we stand and how we can improve.

    So how can we help ourselves and avoid the tendency to stick our heads in the sand?

    And where can it actually be beneficial to practice the Ostrich Effect?

    Listen to today's episode to find out.

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    [episode music courtesy of purple-planet.com]

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    Willpower Not RequiredBy Lauren Whitfield

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