Action bias
We act in order to gain some sense of control or even to eliminate a problem
- 1 - Doing something is better than doing nothing
o We see this in business where we begin looking for solutions before we have even fully developed what the problem is.
o This is what we do when we are dealing with addictive behaviors.
o Giving in to our urges is an action that we engage in for a variety of reasons – sometimes because we think it will make the urge go away or because we want to do it regardless of the consequences.
o This also comes into play when we engage in distracting ourselves.
o Keep ourselves busy – go run rather than deal with the urge, get busy with work rather than deal with the urge other distracting behaviors.
o Or the classic, “im craving this, so I have to eat it.”
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- 12 - Others expect me to do something.
o Soccer goalies jumping left or right when statistically they should stay in the middle of the goal
o White knuckling is a form of action where we exert extraordinary effort to keep our urges and impulses at bay.
o Others expect us to just do it, or in this case not do it.
o The action we are taking is fighting the urge
o Holding it at bay.
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- There is an alternative.
- David Attenborough – iguana chased by killer snakes video.
- Narrates very little, at end says in a chill voice – a near miraculous escape.
- That’s it,
- Allowing the urge –
- Just sit and watch it
- Do nothing,
- Observe – feelings, thoughts, urges
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