In a world of achievement, it’s easy to believe that success is the norm.
- Contemporary society values all representations of success.
- To avoid any guilt arising from looking at our actions, we must consider failures as much as successes.
- The important thing is to know how to consider the error as a learning opportunity.
We are constantly exposed to inspiring stories of spectacular successes, whether in the media, social networks, or even in our entourage. However, this focus on successes can lead to a distorted perception of reality, in particular due to certain cognitive biases.
What is called “survivorship bias”?
Biases are “filters” through which our brain perceives its environment. Among the many possible biases, survivorship bias causes us to focus only on examples of visible success, forgetting or neglecting failures.
For example, we often hear about entrepreneurs who turned their startups into successful businesses. However, the countless other startups that didn’t survive remain largely invisible, reinforcing the idea that success is easier or more common than it actually is.
The weight of cognitive biases in decision-making
While cognitive biases are mental filters that help us process information more quickly, they can also hinder objective and accurate decision-making. To counter survivorship bias, it is important to remember that every success is the result of a specific context and often many failed attempts.
To improve decision-making, experts suggest developing critical thinking and exposing ourselves to a diversity of opinions and experiences. By diversifying our sources of information and challenging our perceptions, we can gain a more balanced and realistic view of reality.
Towards a more balanced vision of success
To correct for the effects of survivorship bias, it is important to take a more nuanced approach to success. Rather than focusing solely on success stories, we must also consider the challenges and failures that accompany them.
Additionally, by encouraging support rather than criticism, we can help reduce the pressure often associated with the pursuit of success. It is essential to value effort, the learning from failure, and to view error as a learning opportunity rather than a sign of incompetence.
– ELearn more: “System 1 / System 2: The Two Speeds of Thought” by Daniel Kahneman
