Rethinking mindset

First-instinct fallacy and the power of rethinking

My 15-year-old loves using correction tape. And let me tell you, she's a total neat freak, so good luck spotting those corrections! But, pick any of her assignments and a careful glaze will tell you that she has generously used the correction tape to correct a lot of her mistakes.

I remember one of my kids’ primary school teachers had banned the use of erasers in her class. Besides hating the mess created by eraser dust, she didn’t want children second-guessing their work. Think and learn. Period.

I can only imagine how displeased a teacher sharing the same philosophy would be if she saw how my daughter learns. Her philosophy is different — Think, learn, rethink, revise.

Let me ask you. If you’re sitting in an exam, is it a good idea to second guess your answer to a question?

When students were surveyed, most thought that it was wise to stick to their first instincts. “I’ll end up changing from right to wrong!” is a common belief.

In reality, we tend to rely more than we should on our first instincts. We think that if we stick to our gut, it will pan out well.

The belief that sticking to your gut will pay off is called the First Instinct Fallacy.

Several studies suggest otherwise. Rethinking a doubtful question helps students change from wrong to right most of the time! Sometimes, they do end up replacing one wrong answer with another. Rarely, the change is from right to wrong.

All in all, rethinking is a wise strategy.

This holds not just for school assignments and exams. The decisions we make at work, for our health, in our relationships, and for our finances….everything can immensely benefit from a second pair of eyes mind.

• Imagine how many unnecessary arguments can we avoid if we pause and rethink before we react impulsively. 🤬

• Imagine what better shape can we get in if we rethink that helping of the dessert. 🍩

• Imagine the stronger connections we could build if we rethink our assumptions about others. 💜

• Imagine the smarter financial decisions we could make if we rethink our spending habits. 💸

• Imagine the increased productivity we could achieve if we rethink our daily routines. ✅

If the benefits of rethinking are immense, why do we fall for our first instincts?

Following are the three big reasons.

1. Cognitive laziness: Our brain wants to avoid as much as it can avoid. Why put in the extra effort? 🥱

2. Identity crisis: When we are used to doing things a certain way, we associate it tightly with our identity. 🦸🏻‍♂️ Who am I if not a night owl? or a movie buff or a coffee addict…you get the idea.

3. Admission of being wrong: It’s always easy to point out the wrongdoing in others. When it comes to admitting we are wrong, we turn into ostriches and bury our heads in the sand. 🙈

Let’s be consciously aware of these so we know what’s holding us back from developing a rethinking mindset.

So the next time you face a decision or catch yourself on autopilot, take a moment. Pause. Rethink. Is there a different angle you haven't considered? Could there be a better way?

Developing this habit of questioning yourself and re-evaluating can lead to more informed choices, stronger relationships, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life.

Let's challenge the status quo within us.

By fostering a rethinking culture around us, we can not only enrich our own experiences but also set a powerful example for those around us, including the meticulous users of correction tape in our homes. 👩🏻‍🎓⌫✍️