There Are 6 Habits That Hinder Thinking
1. The Mine-Is-Better Habit - This habit causes one to have a very individualistic attitude, to be self-centered, they are often closed-up in making sweeping assumptions and it destroys objectivity which prompts us to prefer self-flattering errors to unpleasant realities.
Example:
"My car is better than your car."
"My dog looks better than your dog."
"I submitted the best project for this course."
Key Words:
I, my and mine.
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Don't let your ego get in the way of the truth.
2. Face-Saving is a strategy that we use to protect our image.
Example:
" I would have never missed my ride if you weren't talking to me."
"I would have never broken the glass if you didn't ask me to fix you something to drink."
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Don't "point the finger." Take fault for each miistake that you make.
3. Resistance to Change is just that. Always thinking that the way is better and that there shouldn't be any reason for change. Many people who are very traditional, insecure and afraid to leave their comfort zone fall victim to this bad habit.
Example:
I have been doing it this way for 30 years, why should I change now?
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Take baby steps. When a new idea comes your way accept it, even if you don't agree with it. Test the idea out to see how it fits into your world. I you don't like it then you can throw that form of change to the side.
4. Conformity - Following the crowd because you don't want to be labeled as different.
Example:
Everyone else is making a right turn on red even though the sign prohibits; I am going to make a right turn as well.
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Not all forms of conformity are bad. So you would have to take time out to think about how it will effect you.
5. Stereotyping is a fixed viewpoint that you may have based upon someones race, gender, religion etc.
Example:
All asians are good in math.
All Gypsies are theives.
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
It is best to put those stereotypical thoughs behind you when meeting new people. "Never judge a book by its cover."
6. Self-Deception is lying to yourself.
Example:
They slammed on breaks at the yellow light. It wasn't my fault I hit them in the back; they should have went through the light.
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Always recognize the truth in every situation, even if it isn't in your favor.
Example:
"My car is better than your car."
"My dog looks better than your dog."
"I submitted the best project for this course."
Key Words:
I, my and mine.
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Don't let your ego get in the way of the truth.
2. Face-Saving is a strategy that we use to protect our image.
Example:
" I would have never missed my ride if you weren't talking to me."
"I would have never broken the glass if you didn't ask me to fix you something to drink."
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Don't "point the finger." Take fault for each miistake that you make.
3. Resistance to Change is just that. Always thinking that the way is better and that there shouldn't be any reason for change. Many people who are very traditional, insecure and afraid to leave their comfort zone fall victim to this bad habit.
Example:
I have been doing it this way for 30 years, why should I change now?
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Take baby steps. When a new idea comes your way accept it, even if you don't agree with it. Test the idea out to see how it fits into your world. I you don't like it then you can throw that form of change to the side.
4. Conformity - Following the crowd because you don't want to be labeled as different.
Example:
Everyone else is making a right turn on red even though the sign prohibits; I am going to make a right turn as well.
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Not all forms of conformity are bad. So you would have to take time out to think about how it will effect you.
5. Stereotyping is a fixed viewpoint that you may have based upon someones race, gender, religion etc.
Example:
All asians are good in math.
All Gypsies are theives.
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
It is best to put those stereotypical thoughs behind you when meeting new people. "Never judge a book by its cover."
6. Self-Deception is lying to yourself.
Example:
They slammed on breaks at the yellow light. It wasn't my fault I hit them in the back; they should have went through the light.
How to prevent this habit from surfacing:
Always recognize the truth in every situation, even if it isn't in your favor.