Clearing Mental Clutter: Eric Zimmer on Cognitive Biases and Openness
I have a relatively strong worldview...I've been working lately on being more open to things that I don't understand, or at least just being open in general to say: well, maybe that could be the case, or you know what, I just won't close the door on that completely.
Imagine trying to solve every problem the same old way, even when new solutions are staring you in the face. In this mini-episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer dives into the world of cognitive biases and the Einstellung Effect. He starts by breaking down how these mental shortcuts, like confirmation bias, can cloud our judgment and keep us stuck in old patterns.
To illustrate his point, Eric shares a classic Zen story about a scholar who visits a Zen master. The master tells him that he must first empty his cup before he can learn anything new. This simple yet profound tale serves as a reminder that we often need to let go of what we think we know to make room for fresh ideas. Eric's message is clear: keeping an open mind is crucial for growth and learning.
By acknowledging our own mental blocks, we can start to see things from different angles and find better ways to tackle challenges. This episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck or looking to broaden their perspective.