How often have you researched a certain method of making money, found statistical data that supported its feasibility, when you chance upon a report that showed otherwise?

What would the common reaction be after that from you, and many others after reading the same report?

Confidence might be shaken, trust lost, and belief in the method would dissipate, no doubt.

Often enough in these circumstances, we might lose some, or all, rationality. If we were to weigh this one case against the many other positive ones, do a re-analysis, the odds might still favor the method making money. Chances are, however, that the one negative example will weigh heavy on our minds and we end up treating it as the norm, not the exception. So you end up not trying and miss opportunities to make some cash. Even if you did take the plunge, your mind would be tuned to the little failures and end up not going the distance to achieve its fullest potential. A common example is that of using Adsense.

Here are some situations that will lead to bias when you try to process information. It is good for us to understand how our minds can sometimes be duped into dodgy reasoning despite all the facts, and help protect us against repeating the same mistakes.

1. Authority
We love to listen to authority figures, and their word can often represent the law. This means they can get away with murder sometimes, easily convincing you that right is wrong, and vice versa. If an authority starts to argue based on his credentials, rather than the issue and specific reasons, it should be enough to arouse suspicions. Question authority, for the genuine ones will be able to explain and substantiate their arguments.

2. Love is worth its weight in gold
You are given to listen to and trust your family and friends, because it is unfathomable they would say or do anything to put you at risk. That is true - but it does not exclude unintentional misinformation. Always survey the general body of data that you have and how it relates to several cases. Weigh each special instance against the mountain of evidence before jumping the gun.

3. What works for me will work for you
Apart from the fact that we are all different and unique in our own little ways, there are also factors influencing every outcome such as how one does things, effort and discipline, and the kind of luck we enjoy. If someone is kind enough to show you his methods, be grateful, study his ways and learn from it, but do not necessarily deem it the way of the world until you have explored other possibilities. Keep your mind open to different ways of doing things.

4. What you believe in, may not be right
The mind works in strange little ways. Just as well we are often led the other by a single negative occurrence, our eyes and minds also gravitate towards ideas and data that support what we already believe in. Once you become a fan of Manchester United, you only note the pretty football they sometimes play, but not the cheeky dives some of their players indulge in.

Nobody likes to make mistakes, and everybody loves to be right. Humans have a subliminal tendency to look for evidence that supports the wisdom of our choices. So always be mindful of the different scenarios you can find yourself in, and evaluate wisely. Avoid leaky logic and new doors might open up for you.

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