Mindshifting is recognizing and shifting from the mindsets that hold us back to the mindsets that push us forward. I write about mindsets, Mindshifting, learning, and education, with the hope that these posts give readers more power over their own lives and helps them give others, like their students, more power as well.
The low down on cognitive dissonance
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It’s not hard to see when people say they value or believe one thing and then act in ways that contradict their words. This phenomenon, known as cognitive dissonance, is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. It’s harder to see this in ourselves. And yet, on our daily lives, we often find ourselves grappling with a disconnect between our beliefs and our actions.When our behaviors or decisions contradict our values or convictions, our brains work tirelessly to rationalize and justify these inconsistencies, often leading to biased thinking and decision-making. The book "MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success" delves deep into the cognitive science behind these mental processes, offering an understanding of the inner workings of the mind. Cognitive dissonance arises when we hold two or more conflicting beliefs, or when our actions do not align with our stated values. For example, we may claim to believe in environmental conservation, yet find ourselves driving to places we could easily walk to. Or, as educators, we may espouse the importance of fostering creativity and experimentation in our students, while simultaneously grading them harshly for any perceived imperfections. These contradictions trigger a state of mental discomfort, and our brains instinctively seek to resolve this tension. Cognitive dissonance pushes us into lying to ourselves to feel less conflicted. Our brains resolve cognitive dissonance by disregarding data that than changing assumptions, beliefs, or methods. Cognitive dissonance is a direct result of our brains’ attempts to rapidly make sense of the world; it’s a reaction driven by our limbic system, our survival brain. We can’t “fix” cognitive dissonance when we see it in others, and when we try, we are more likely to trigger fight or flight responses than, “thank you, now I see how I’ve been lying to myself and others.” We can work on our own blind spots, through a resolve to be more self-aware, to exercise metacognition. As the book points out, “Those who can interrupt their limbic reactions and then self-command themselves to a resourceful state can wrestle back command of their own thoughts.” |
Mindshifting Educators
Mindshifting is recognizing and shifting from the mindsets that hold us back to the mindsets that push us forward. I write about mindsets, Mindshifting, learning, and education, with the hope that these posts give readers more power over their own lives and helps them give others, like their students, more power as well.
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