Your biases make you blind and oblivious.

“Your rules bias your judgment.” - Nagui Bihelek

Did you know that your biases are essentially crafting neural filters within your brain, leading you to become blind and oblivious to the realities that unfold right before your eyes? This phenomenon, often referred to as "Blind spots," is frequently mentioned yet seldom fully comprehended in terms of its profound implications.

Let's delve deeper into this concept to gain a clearer understanding:

First and foremost, biases instigate the creation of neural filters in your brain. Imagine a filter in its most basic form—it permits only certain elements that meet specific criteria to pass through, while everything else is excluded. This selective process is precisely what happens within your mind, albeit on a subconscious level.

Consider this scenario: You're at a conference, eagerly awaiting an important session. While mingling outside the venue, you encounter a stranger who expresses a negative opinion about the presenter, claiming, "I really don’t like this presenter. His theories are weak." As you enter the session, your brain, unbeknownst to you, begins to construct a set of filters based on the stranger's comments. Consequently, unless you make a conscious effort to remain open-minded and present, the majority of the session's content will be lost on you, filtered out by your brain's bias.

Another poignant example involves the dynamic between coaches and their coachees. Coaches often encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying experiences. If a coachee operates under a strong "I know" filter, they become virtually incapable of fully listening or engaging in any discussion, convinced they already possess all the necessary knowledge.

These instances illustrate how biases can impose unconscious filters, resulting in "Blind spots" that obscure our perception and understanding.

"Rules" serve as yet another illustrative example. While setting personal rules is generally beneficial, imposing these rules on others and judging them based on your subjective criteria can lead to significant oversights. Focusing too intently on a specific rule can cause everything else to blur into the background. To visualize this, try holding a finger 6-8 inches in front of your face and focus solely on it. Notice how everything else becomes indistinct and unrecognizable? This exercise metaphorically demonstrates how biases can narrow our focus, rendering us oblivious to the broader picture.

So, are you ready to open up your mind and challenge these biases?

To embark on this journey of self-improvement and heightened awareness, consider the following recommended steps:

1. Acknowledge Your Biases: The first step towards change is recognizing that biases exist within all of us. By acknowledging your biases, you begin the process of dismantling these unconscious filters.

2. Practice Active Listening: Make a concerted effort to listen actively and openly, especially to viewpoints that differ from your own. This practice can help break down preexisting biases and expand your perspective.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives: Actively seek out and engage with people from different backgrounds and with differing opinions. Exposure to a wide range of perspectives can challenge and ultimately reduce your biases.

4. Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Reflection can help you identify biases and understand their impact on your behavior and decision-making.

5. Educate Yourself: Continuously educate yourself on the concept of biases, blind spots, and their consequences. Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating unconscious biases.

By following these steps, you can begin to peel away the layers of biases that cloud your judgment, leading to a more open, inclusive, and enlightened perspective.