Cognitive Biases
Recognize mental shortcuts that can lead you astray and discover strategies to overcome them.
Explore 174 growth hacks curated for this zone. Each one comes with an actionable description you can turn into a routine, journal prompt, or automated flow with the ChatGPT API.
Hacks in this zone
Spot Common Source Bias
Train yourself to spot when research or information comes from the same source or uses the same methods. Here’s how: - Check the source: Are multiple studies or…
Challenge Conservatism Bias
Train yourself to update your beliefs when presented with new evidence. Here’s how: - Pause and reflect: When you hear something new, ask yourself, “How does th…
Break Free from Functional Fixedness
Learn to see objects and tools beyond their traditional uses. Here’s how: - Ask ‘What else?’: Look at an object and think of three ways to use it that are not i…
Escape the Hammer-Nail Trap
Avoid over-relying on one tool or method. Train yourself to explore alternatives: - Ask ‘What’s missing?’: Think about other tools or methods that could help so…
Break the Clustering Illusion
Train yourself to spot when you're overestimating the importance of random patterns or streaks. Here’s how: - Step back: Ask, “Is this pattern meaningful or cou…
Stop Illusory Correlations
Avoid assuming a relationship between unrelated events. Here’s how: - Ask for evidence: Before assuming a link, check if data supports the relationship. - Track…
Tame Pareidolia
Pareidolia makes you see patterns where there are none. Train yourself to recognize when it’s happening: - Pause and analyze: When you spot a pattern in somethi…
Check Anthropocentric Thinking
Be aware of the tendency to view non-human phenomena through a human lens. Here’s how: - Pause and reflect: Ask, “Am I using human examples to explain something…
Catch Anthropomorphism
Avoid assigning human emotions or traits to animals, objects, or concepts. Here’s how: - Question your assumptions: Ask, “Is this object/animal actually feeling…
Break Free from Attentional Bias
Shift your focus when recurring thoughts distort your perception. Here’s how: - Notice the pattern: Ask, “Am I only paying attention to things that match my cur…
Tame the Frequency Illusion
Avoid assuming something is happening more often just because you’ve noticed it recently. Here’s how: - Pause before concluding: Ask, “Has this increased, or am…
Spot Implicit Associations
Train yourself to recognize when your brain makes quick assumptions based on word or idea associations. Here’s how: - Pause and check: Ask, “Am I reacting based…
Manage Salience Bias
Avoid letting flashy or emotional details overshadow important but less noticeable facts. Here’s how: - Look beyond the obvious: Ask, “What’s not immediately no…
Avoid Selection Bias
Be mindful when choosing data or examples to avoid misrepresenting the whole picture. Here’s how: - Check your sample: Ask, “Is this data random and diverse, or…
Spot Survivorship Bias
Train yourself to notice when you’re focusing only on successful outcomes and ignoring failures. Here’s how: - Ask about the missing data: Who or what didn’t “s…
Recalibrate the Well-Traveled Road Effect
Be mindful of how familiarity affects your time estimates. Here’s how: - Log travel times: Write down actual times for familiar and unfamiliar routes to compare…
Defuse the Backfire Effect
Stay open to evidence that challenges your beliefs. Here’s how: - Pause and reflect: When new evidence feels threatening, take a moment to breathe and calm your…
Challenge Congruence Bias
Test your ideas by looking for disconfirming evidence. Here’s how: - Consider alternatives: Ask, “What other explanations could fit this situation?” - Test oppo…
Avoid Expectation Bias
Stay objective when analyzing outcomes. Here’s how: - Double-check results: Revisit your data or conclusions to ensure they’re free from personal bias. - Involv…
Balance Selective Perception
Train yourself to see the whole picture, not just what aligns with your expectations. Here’s how: - Check for blind spots: Ask, “What might I be missing?” - See…
Overcome the Semmelweis Reflex
Be open to new ideas, even when they challenge old beliefs. Here’s how: - Question traditions: Ask, “Why do we do it this way? Could there be a better approach?…
Spot Your Own Biases
Challenge yourself to see biases in your own thinking, not just in others. Here’s how: - Flip the script: Ask, “If someone else thought this way, would I see it…
Question the Consensus
Be cautious about assuming others agree with you. Here’s how: - Ask instead of assuming: Check in with others about their opinions before concluding they match …
See the Bigger Picture
Recognize that you and your work are part of a larger system. Here’s how: - Compare fairly: Ask, “How similar is my project to others I’ve seen?” - Acknowledge …
Spot Generic Flattery
Learn to recognize vague or overly general statements. Here’s how: - Ask for specifics: If a description feels “too true,” ask, “What exactly do you mean?” - Co…
Balance Insight with Humility
Challenge the belief that you understand others better than they understand you. Here’s how: - Ask instead of assuming: Engage in conversations to learn how oth…
Be Realistic with Time
Stop underestimating how long tasks will take. Here’s how: - Add buffer time: Whatever you think a task will take, add 50% more time. - Use past experience: Loo…
Know Your Limits
Don’t overestimate your self-control. Here’s how: - Remove temptation: Make it harder to give in by keeping distractions or temptations out of reach. - Plan for…
See the Complexity in Others
Stop seeing yourself as complex and others as predictable. Here’s how: - Practice empathy: Imagine how someone else’s day, mood, or challenges might influence t…
Check Media Influence
Be aware of how media affects you, not just others. Here’s how: - Reflect on impact: Ask, “How might this message shape my beliefs or actions?” - Fact-check fre…
Trust the Bigger Picture
Before jumping to conclusions, focus on the general information. Here’s how: - Check the base rate: Ask, “What do the overall statistics say?” - Pause before ju…
Feel for the Many
Practice compassion for groups, not just individuals. Here’s how: - Humanize the numbers: Imagine the faces behind statistics to connect emotionally. - Zoom out…
Choose the Simpler Answer
Stick to the more general explanation. Here’s how: - Simplify scenarios: Ask, “Is this really more specific, or am I overcomplicating it?” - Compare probabiliti…
Value the Whole Experience
Focus on the quality of an experience, not just its duration. Here’s how: - Reflect on highlights: Ask, “What made this moment meaningful?” - Avoid obsessing ov…
Think Beyond Now
Prioritize future gains over instant gratification. Here’s how: - Visualize future benefits: Imagine how your future self will thank you. - Delay small rewards:…
Question the 'Why'
Challenge the assumption of intent behind events. Here’s how: - Pause and think: Ask, “Could this be random or accidental instead of intentional?” - Look for ev…
Double-Check the System
Avoid over-relying on automation. Here’s how: - Verify output: Check if automated results align with your expectations or data. - Stay informed: Learn how the s…
Challenge Assumptions
Actively question gender stereotypes. Here’s how: - Notice biases: Be aware of assumptions you make based on gender. - Think beyond roles: Focus on skills and q…
Read the Room, Not Your Mind
Avoid jumping to conclusions about interest. Here’s how: - Observe behavior: Look for clear, consistent signals before making assumptions. - Ask directly: If ap…
See the Individual
Move beyond group-based assumptions. Here’s how: - Gather facts: Get to know the person instead of relying on stereotypes. - Question your bias: Ask, “Am I assu…
Big Bills Mindset
Avoid overspending by reframing small amounts. Here’s how: - Think in totals: Ask, “How much will this add up to?” - Group small spends: View multiple small exp…
Separate to Decide
Evaluate options individually to reduce unnecessary distinctions. Here’s how: - Look at them one by one: Avoid comparing them side-by-side. - Focus on your prio…
Bridge the Knowledge Gap
Use all relevant knowledge across fields. Here’s how: - Pull from different domains: Think about how skills or insights from one area apply to another. - Ask di…
Context Matters
Always factor in the human or situational context. Here’s how: - Ask about the ‘why’: What’s the situation behind this problem? - Step into their shoes: Conside…
Spot Conditional Pitfalls
Be cautious when interpreting data based on conditions. Here’s how: - Ask about the sample: Is the group you’re studying representative of the whole? - Understa…
Break Free from Sunk Costs
Don’t let past investments trap you into bad decisions. Here’s how: - Pause and evaluate: Ask, “If I hadn’t already invested, would I still continue?” - Set a c…
Knowledge Isn’t Enough
Knowing about biases doesn’t automatically protect you. Here’s how to act: - Practice self-awareness: Regularly check if biases might be influencing you. - Get …
Trust the Odds
Avoid assuming past events change future probabilities. Here’s how: - Understand randomness: Each event is independent unless proven otherwise. - Focus on actua…
Face the Unknown
When making a decision, don’t shy away from unknown probabilities. Here’s how to approach it: - Gather information: Reduce ambiguity by learning more about your…
Don’t Overvalue Your Stuff
Challenge yourself to see things objectively. Try this: - Ask yourself: “If I didn’t own this, how much would I pay for it?” - Get outside opinions: Others migh…
Think Beyond Loss
Reframe losses to focus on long-term gains. Steps: - Shift your mindset: Ask, “What could I gain by letting this go?” - Run the numbers: Focus on data, not emot…
Challenge the Usual
Step outside your comfort zone by questioning the default: - Ask why: “Why do I stick with this option? Is it really the best?” - Experiment: Try a small change…
Question the System
Challenge ingrained systems by thinking critically: - List pros and cons: What works and what doesn’t in the current system? - Imagine alternatives: What would …
Question the Default
Challenge default settings. Here’s how: - Ask why: Consider if the default choice is actually best for you. - Explore alternatives: Take time to review all avai…
Beware the Decoy
Identify if a "decoy" option is influencing your choice. Here’s how: - Spot the odd one out: Look for an option that seems unnecessary or inferior. - Ask why it…
Spot the Contrast Trap
Notice when comparisons are influencing your decisions. Here’s how: - Pause before deciding: Ask, “Would this still feel the same without the comparison?” - Sep…
Question Your Confidence
When you're feeling overly confident in your abilities: - Ask for feedback: Seek opinions from others who have more experience. - Compare to standards: Look at …
Mind the Mood Gap
Plan for decisions when your emotions are neutral: - Pause before reacting: Delay decisions when you’re feeling overly emotional. - Simulate the other state: As…
Balance Your Expectations
Be realistic about task difficulty: - Set milestones: Break hard tasks into smaller, achievable steps. - Reassess easy tasks: Don’t rush through just because th…
Test Your Knowledge
Challenge your understanding of a topic: - Explain it to someone else: Can you simplify it without skipping details? - Ask “why” and “how”: Push yourself to ans…
Own Your Wins
Combat feelings of fraudulence: - Keep an achievement log: Record successes, no matter how small. - Reframe thoughts: Replace "I was just lucky" with "I worked …
Check Your Bias
Stay aware of your own subjectivity: - Ask for outside input: Get diverse opinions to challenge your perspective. - Play devil’s advocate: Argue against your ow…
Question Believability
When evaluating arguments: - Focus on logic: Ask, "Does this follow from the premises?" instead of, "Do I agree with the conclusion?" - Separate belief from evi…
Spot Repeated Lies
Be wary of repeated statements: - Fact-check: Look up evidence for claims you’ve heard multiple times. - Question familiarity: Ask, "Do I believe this because i…
Rhyme Doesn’t Equal Truth
Be cautious with rhyming phrases: - Analyze content: Ask, "Does the rhyme add anything logical, or is it just catchy?" - Test alternatives: Rephrase the stateme…
Validate with Facts
Challenge statements you want to believe: - Find counterexamples: Look for cases where the statement doesn’t apply. - Separate desire from reality: Ask, "Do I w…
Pause Before You Act
When faced with a problem: - Ask first: "Is action really necessary, or is waiting better?" - Consider the outcomes: Think about what happens if you do nothing.…
Think Subtraction First
When solving a problem: - Ask yourself: "Can something be removed to improve the situation?" - List things to subtract: Write down what’s unnecessary before add…
Spot the Easy Shortcut
When making a quick judgment: - Ask yourself: "Am I replacing a complex decision with an easy shortcut?" - Check for oversimplification: Write down what factors…
Simplify for Others
When explaining something: - Ask yourself: "How would I explain this to someone totally new?" - Use examples: Relate concepts to simple, everyday scenarios. - E…
Balance Past and Future
When thinking about the past and future: - Challenge nostalgia: Ask, "Was the past really better, or is this selective memory?" - Find future positives: List th…
Embrace Future Growth
When planning for the future: - Acknowledge change: Remind yourself, "I will grow and change in ways I can’t predict." - Set flexible goals: Make plans that can…
Reality Check Your Predictions
When you catch yourself expecting extreme outcomes: - Pause and evaluate: Ask, "Is this prediction realistic, or am I expecting the worst (or best) case scenari…
Question Assumptions About Technology
When using or observing tech: - Ask yourself: "Am I assuming this tool can do something just because of how it looks?" - Test its functions: Spend time understa…
Empathize with Others’ Pain
When someone shares their pain: - Pause judgments: Avoid assuming they’re exaggerating. - Reflect on your experience: Remember times when your pain felt real bu…
Keep a Wage Reality Journal
Track your income and satisfaction: - Log actual earnings: Write down your wages regularly to avoid over- or underestimating. - Note your satisfaction: Reflect …
Recognize ‘I Knew It All Along’ Thinking
When reviewing past events: - Ask yourself: "Did I really know this beforehand, or is it hindsight talking?" - Write down predictions: Track what you think will…
Question Your Preferences
Next time you feel drawn to something familiar: - Pause and reflect: Ask yourself, "Do I like this because it’s better, or just because it’s familiar?" - Try al…
Weigh Action vs. Inaction
When avoiding a decision: - List pros and cons: Write down potential harm from acting versus not acting. - Ask yourself: "Am I avoiding action because it feels …
Ground Your Optimism in Reality
When planning or predicting: - Check past outcomes: How often have things gone as perfectly as you imagined? - Prepare for setbacks: Ask, "What could go wrong, …
Face the Problem Head-On
When you’re tempted to ignore an issue: - Ask yourself: "What’s the worst that could happen if I address this now?" - Take a small step: Do one action to start …
Focus on Decision Quality
When evaluating a past choice: - Ask yourself: "Did I make the best decision with the info I had at the time?" - Separate outcomes from process: Focus on how th…
Challenge Negative Predictions
When expecting the worst: - Look for evidence: Ask, "What facts support this prediction, and what contradicts it?" - Test your assumption: Take a small action t…
Think Beyond the Now
When tempted by immediate rewards: - Pause: Ask yourself, "What will this choice feel like in a week?" - Compare payoffs: Imagine both short- and long-term bene…
Notice the Green Around You
When outside or in a natural setting: - Pause and observe: Look for plants around you—trees, flowers, even weeds. - Ask questions: What purpose do they serve? H…
Weigh Prevention vs. Response
When faced with a risk: - Compare effectiveness: Ask, "Is prevention or response better suited for this situation?" - Estimate cost: Look at resources needed fo…
Focus on Best Odds
When making decisions with probabilities: - Stick to the best choice: Pick the option with the highest likelihood of success, even if it feels repetitive. - Avo…
Look Past the Hype
When considering a new innovation: - Ask tough questions: What are its weaknesses? Who benefits most from it? - Balance optimism: Imagine both best- and worst-c…
Think Beyond Your Current Self
When making future plans: - Pause: Ask, "Will future me feel the same way?" - Imagine different scenarios: Consider how changes in mood, priorities, or environm…
Question Big Causes for Big Events
When faced with a big event: - Ask yourself: "Is there solid evidence for a big cause, or am I assuming it because the event is large?" - Break it down: Look at…
Pause Before Calling It New
When noticing a "new" trend: - Research its history: Check if this has actually been around for a while. - Ask others: See if someone older or more experienced …
Balance Safety and Risk
When safety increases: - Assess risks: Ask, "Am I compensating for safety by taking unnecessary risks?" - Set boundaries: Stick to cautious habits even in safer…
Focus on the Bigger Picture
When working with metrics: - Ask yourself: "Is this measure representing the actual goal, or has it become the goal?" - Revisit the strategy: Ensure you underst…
Question Purposeful Explanations
When noticing a purpose in random events: - Ask yourself: "Is there any actual evidence of intention or design here?" - Consider randomness: Some things happen …
Expect the Unexpected
When predicting trends: - Ask yourself: "Could there be sudden changes or breaks in this trend?" - Prepare for shifts: Always consider outliers and unexpected e…
Spot and Challenge Hidden Biases
When interacting or making decisions: - Pause and reflect: "Am I acting on assumptions based on someone’s background or appearance?" - Seek diverse input: Surro…
Rethink Default Quantities
When consuming (e.g., food, resources): - Ask yourself: "Do I really need this much, or am I just following the default?" - Adjust portions: Take only what’s ap…
Question Data in New Contexts
When using numerical data: - Ask yourself: "Does this data apply to this specific situation?" - Double-check assumptions: Ensure the numbers make sense in the n…
Question Authority
When considering an opinion or advice: - Ask yourself: "Am I agreeing because of the person or because of the evidence?" - Check the facts: Verify the informati…
See Beyond the Group Glow
When evaluating a group: - Pause and observe: "Am I judging individuals or the group as a whole?" - Focus on specifics: Look at individual contributions or qual…
Separate Traits from Perception
When forming an impression: - Ask yourself: "Am I judging based on one good trait or the full picture?" - Challenge assumptions: Notice if a positive quality is…
Understand Context in Behavior
When judging behavior: - For others: Ask, "What situations might have influenced their actions?" - For yourself: Reflect, "How much of this is about my choices …
Check Blame Bias
When assigning blame: - Pause: Ask, "Am I blaming more because the outcome was worse?" - Separate outcome from intent: Focus on actions, not just consequences. …
Understand Motivations
When evaluating motivation: - For others: Ask, "Could their actions come from genuine interest, not just external rewards?" - For yourself: Reflect, "Are my act…
See Beyond Personality
When analyzing behavior: - Ask for others: "What situations might have influenced their actions?" - Ask for yourself: "Am I underestimating my own tendencies in…
See the Individual in the Group
When judging groups: - Challenge assumptions: Ask, "Does this apply to all members, or just one person?" - Seek evidence: Look for facts about the group, not ju…
Pause Before Assuming Hostility
When interpreting behavior: - Pause: Ask yourself, "Could this be unintentional or neutral?" - Clarify: If unsure, communicate and seek their perspective. - Ref…
Distinguish Intent from Accident
When evaluating actions: - Ask: "Could this have been an accident or unintentional?" - Look for patterns: One mistake doesn’t indicate intent—watch for repeated…
Question the Fairness Narrative
When analyzing injustice: - Ask: "Is this outcome truly deserved, or am I rationalizing it?" - Empathize: Consider factors outside the victim’s control. - Ackno…
Judge Actions, Not Outcomes
When assessing morality: - Focus on intent: Ask, "What was their intention, regardless of the outcome?" - Separate luck from action: Consider how chance influen…
Look Beyond Morals
When assessing outcomes: - Pause: Ask yourself, "Could societal factors have contributed here?" - Contextualize: Consider external influences like environment, …
Own Successes AND Failures
When reflecting on outcomes: - Be honest: Ask, "What role did I really play in this success or failure?" - Balance: Acknowledge both personal effort and externa…
Judge Individuals, Not Groups
When evaluating groups: - Ask yourself: "Am I judging the group based on one person’s actions?" - Separate individuals: Focus on specific behaviors or contribut…
Question the Echo
When you hear something repeated: - Ask: "Is this backed by evidence or just popular belief?" - Research: Find original sources and verify the information. - St…
Think Off the Bandwagon
When considering a popular opinion: - Pause: Ask yourself, "Do I agree because it’s popular or because it’s right?" - Analyze: Break down the reasoning behind t…
Speak Honestly, Kindly
When asked for your opinion: - Be truthful: Share your real thoughts respectfully. - Use tact: Frame criticism constructively ("I think this could be improved b…
Challenge the Consensus
In group discussions: - Ask questions: "Have we considered other perspectives?" - Encourage dissent: Create a safe space for alternative viewpoints. - Pause bef…
Test the Truth
When someone shares information: - Ask for clarity: "Where did you hear this?" or "What’s the source?" - Cross-check: Verify their claims with other evidence. -…
Embrace Outsider Ideas
When evaluating external ideas: - Ask: "Is this idea or product effective, regardless of where it came from?" - Compare: Assess its potential objectively agains…
See the Individual, Not the Group
When thinking about other groups: - Pause assumptions: Ask yourself, "Am I generalizing based on the group?" - Get personal: Interact with individuals from the …
Challenge Assumed Similarities
When interacting with others: - Ask: "What’s unique about this person’s perspective or experience?" - Listen actively: Avoid projecting your own traits or belie…
Set Positive Expectations
To harness the Pygmalion Effect: - Encourage: Set realistic but optimistic expectations for others. - Support: Provide feedback and resources to help them succe…
Handle Resistance Calmly
When facing reactance: - Reframe requests: Offer choices instead of commands to reduce resistance. - Empathize: Understand the other person’s need for autonomy …
Uncover Hidden Insights
In group discussions: - Encourage: Ask each member to share unique perspectives or information. - Facilitate: Guide the conversation to ensure unshared insights…
Spot Unintentional Plagiarism
When you think you’ve had a novel idea: - Pause and reflect: Ask, “Have I encountered this idea before?” - Check sources: Revisit books, articles, or conversati…
Reality Check Your Memories
To avoid false memories: - Validate facts: Check with others involved or revisit records (emails, photos, notes). - Stay neutral: Avoid over-analyzing or trying…
Credit Where It’s Due
To avoid forgetting the origins of social changes: - Research history: Understand the people and movements behind societal shifts. - Acknowledge contributors: H…
Track Information Sources
To avoid source confusion: - Keep a log: Note where you heard or read key ideas. - Cross-reference: Before sharing information, double-check its accuracy and or…
Question Leading Suggestions
To resist suggestibility: - Slow down: Reflect before accepting others’ suggestions as true. - Seek evidence: Verify claims rather than relying on someone’s fra…
Overcome Availability Bias
When making decisions: - Pause and expand: Actively look for examples beyond the most recent or visible ones. - Balance sources: Include diverse or older source…
Leverage the Bizarreness Effect
To remember something: - Make it weird: Add something bizarre or unusual to the idea or fact. - Visualize it vividly: Picture the bizarre element as vividly as …
Avoid Boundary Extension Errors
When recalling visuals: - Focus on details: Try to actively recall both the foreground and the background. - Verify: Revisit the original image or scene to comp…
Explore Childhood Amnesia
To recall early memories: - Use triggers: Look at photos or listen to music from your early years. - Ask family: Talk to relatives about events you may have for…
Spot Choice-Supportive Bias
After making a decision: - Be honest: Reflect on whether your choice truly delivered the results you hoped for. - Compare alternatives: Consider how other optio…
Challenge Confirmation Bias
When evaluating information: - Seek opposing views: Actively search for evidence that challenges your beliefs. - Ask questions: “What would change my mind about…
Adjust for Regressive Bias
When recalling or estimating: - Use actual data: Base your judgment on numbers or facts rather than instinct. - Check extremes: Ask if you’re underestimating hi…
Spot Consistency Bias
When reflecting on your past: - Write it down: Keep a journal of key events and your thoughts at the time. - Ask others: Check your memories against those who w…
Combat the Continued Influence Effect
When dealing with misinformation: - Fact-check: Verify the source of any information before accepting it. - Mentally replace: Once corrected, actively focus on …
Use Context to Boost Recall
To retrieve memories: - Recreate the setting: Recall the sights, sounds, and smells of the original context. - Use prompts: Bring objects or tools from the orig…
Overcome Cross-Race Effect
When meeting new people: - Focus on details: Pay attention to unique features, like hairstyle, clothing, or mannerisms. - Make connections: Associate the person…
Reduce Egocentric Bias
When recalling events: - Use evidence: Look at photos, reports, or other objective records of what happened. - Ask others: Gather perspectives from those who we…
Spot Euphoric Recall
When reflecting on past events: - List the facts: Write down both positive and negative aspects of the memory. - Get perspective: Talk to others who shared the …
Balance the Fading Affect Bias
To stay balanced: - Acknowledge both sides: Write about unpleasant memories alongside the positive ones. - Reflect intentionally: Spend time thinking about what…
Leverage the Generation Effect
To remember better: - Create your own notes: Instead of copying, rephrase in your own words. - Teach someone else: Explaining ideas reinforces your understandin…
Combat the Google Effect
To reduce dependency on search engines: - Write things down: Jot key facts in a notebook or app. - Memorize essentials: Focus on learning critical knowledge by …
Challenge Hindsight Bias
When reviewing past events: - List surprises: Note things that were unexpected at the time. - Avoid ‘should haves’: Focus on decisions made with the information…
Leverage the Humor Effect
To remember better: - Add humor: When studying or taking notes, include a funny phrase, drawing, or analogy. - Lighten the mood: Associate dry facts with jokes …
Spot Illusory Correlations
To avoid false connections: - Look for patterns: Ask yourself, “Is this really connected, or just a coincidence?” - Seek evidence: Check if there’s actual data …
Fight the Illusory Truth Effect
To stay sharp: - Double-check: Look up facts you think you "just know." - Ask questions: Challenge statements that feel familiar but unverified. - Don’t repeat …
Use the Lag Effect for Learning
To boost retention: - Spread it out: Review material in smaller sessions over days instead of cramming. - Schedule reviews: Create a spaced repetition plan. - T…
Balance Leveling and Sharpening
To keep memories accurate: - Write details down: Capture events as soon as possible to avoid losing information. - Check for gaps: Ask yourself what might be mi…
Deepen Memory with Levels of Processing
To remember more effectively: - Think deeply: Relate new info to something personal or meaningful. - Visualize: Picture concepts or create mental stories about …
Manage Long Lists for Better Memory
To handle long lists: - Chunk it: Break the list into smaller groups of 3–5 items. - Prioritize: Focus on the most important items first. - Use categories: Grou…
Overcome Memory Inhibition
To retrieve all items: - Rotate focus: Review all parts of a list instead of sticking to the first items. - Use triggers: Write down clues to jog your memory fo…
Guard Against Misinformation
To protect memory: - Verify info: Check facts before trusting new details about an event. - Write it down: Record key facts right after an event to lock them in…
Boost Recall with the Modality Effect
To remember better: - Listen and repeat: Say key points aloud after hearing them. - Mix modalities: Write down spoken info or speak aloud written notes. - Revie…
Use Mood to Boost Memory
To align mood and memory: - Match your mood: Study happy topics when you’re in a good mood; tackle tough topics when feeling serious. - Recreate the setting: Wh…
Balance the Negativity Bias
To manage negative recall: - List positives: After a bad experience, write down at least 3 positive things that happened that day. - Reframe events: Find the si…
Focus During Your Turn in Groups
To stay sharp: - Take notes: Write down key points from the person speaking before you. - Breathe and listen: Avoid rehearsing your own response while someone e…
Boost Recall with Full Lists
To remember all items: - Avoid splitting lists: Keep the whole list in view when reviewing. - Use categories: Organize items into groups to make them easier to …
End on a High Note
To create great memories: - Finish strong: End tasks or experiences with something positive. - Celebrate small wins: After completing a tough task, reward yours…
Remember Better with Pictures
To improve memory: - Use visuals: Add images to your notes or presentations. - Sketch ideas: Draw simple visuals to represent complex concepts. - Pair pictures …
Focus on Positive Memories
To stay positive: - Recall wins: Write down 3 good things that happened each day. - Reframe negatives: Think about what you learned from a tough situation. - Ce…
Break Free from Stereotypes
To reduce stereotypical bias: - Pause and question: Before making assumptions, ask yourself, “What evidence do I have?” - Focus on individuals: Get to know peop…
Avoid List Interference
To remember lists better: - End strong: Avoid adding unnecessary items after a list is completed. - Use pauses: Take a brief moment of silence after hearing or …
Clarify Probabilities
To improve judgment: - Break it down: Divide events into clear, mutually exclusive parts. - Add them up: Compare individual probabilities to the total likelihoo…
Master Your Perception of Time
To manage time perception: - Practice calmness: Breathe deeply to slow things down when you feel rushed. - Focus intently: In critical moments, focus on one det…
Anchor Your Timeline
To fix time distortions: - Use anchors: Connect events to specific dates or milestones. - Journal regularly: Write down events as they happen to track their tim…
Boost Memory with Self-Testing
To recall better: - Test yourself often: After reading, close the book and write down what you remember. - Use flashcards: Create questions for key points and q…
Clear the ‘Tip of the Tongue’ Block
To unblock stuck memories: - Relax: Take deep breaths and stop stressing over the word or idea. - Use hints: Think of related words, phrases, or contexts. - Dis…
Balance Present Significance
To avoid overestimating the present: - Zoom out: Ask, “Will this matter in a year? Five years?” - Review the past: Compare this moment to similar past events fo…
Focus on the Message, Not the Words
To retain the message: - Summarize: Write or say the main idea in your own words. - Look for patterns: Identify recurring themes or key points. - Practice conte…
Make Key Info Stand Out
To remember better: - Highlight differently: Use bold colors or symbols for key points. - Add uniqueness: Attach a quirky story or image to important details. -…
Leverage Unfinished Tasks
To harness focus: - Start small: Begin a task, even if you can’t finish it right away. - Use checkpoints: Pause at natural stopping points to keep motivation. -…