Written by: Biunca Durston, Customer Success Manager, Connect Psych Services.
Change is an inevitable part of life, and as the saying goes, the only constant is change. However, many individuals find themselves paralysed by the fear of the unknown, often overestimating the negative impact of potential changes in their lives. This psychological phenomenon is known as the impact bias.
For such a long time I said that I didn’t want to travel and would definitely not travel alone. Yet when the opportunity came up to travel for university, I decided to. Why? Perhaps because others had decided to travel so I thought if they could do it I could? Perhaps I decided it was time to challenge myself. I decided the unknown might be a good thing.
Understanding Impact Bias:
Impact bias refers to our tendency to overestimate the emotional and psychological impact of future events, especially when it comes to change. This bias can manifest in various aspects of life, from career transitions and relationships to everyday decisions. In my case, this meant taking the risk of studying abroad, which upon reflection has been one of the most empowering and eye-opening experiences of my life thus far. People often fear the potential negative consequences of a change more than they should, leading to hesitation, resistance, and missed opportunities for growth.
Why We Fear Change:
The impact bias is rooted in the way our brains process and anticipate emotions. When faced with the prospect of change, our minds tend to focus on the potential downsides and uncertainties rather than considering the positive aspects. This natural tendency to overvalue the negative can hinder personal development and limit the pursuit of opportunities.
Confidence in a skill is learned from doing the task over and over until you don’t think about the difficulties if performing it anymore. Meeting people. Introducing yourself. Public speaking. Speaking a language. Practicing a reaction to a task too. Air travel. Losing luggage. Navigating directions in a foreign country was very daunting the first time, yet the more you do it after weeks of travel, the easier it becomes. Then when you are able to solve a problem, respond positively, you have the confidence next time. Transversely when a negative situation occurs, learning from mistakes and thinking objectively about how to manage the situation differently next time. Upon reflection, booking earlier would have meant better flight connections and less likelihood of losing luggage. Packing for contingencies in hand luggage may have also helped reduce stress, but would I really change anything?
Promote Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness:
Encouraging individuals to practice mindfulness can help them stay grounded in the present moment. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can reduce anxiety about the future and foster a more realistic perspective on potential changes.
I learnt to have a greater internal confidence in my abilities. Listening to my inner voice. Knowing that I could do this. Working out how to get my mind into a state that it can get there. Perhaps this meant expressing emotion at first, but it also meant that in the next bump along the road, I could focus on the positivity in the opportunity to travel and study abroad.
Provide Positive Examples and Success Stories:
Sharing success stories of individuals who embraced change and experienced positive outcomes can serve as powerful motivators. Real-life examples can help to counteract the impact bias by demonstrating that positive changes are not only possible but often lead to fulfilling and rewarding experiences.
Thinking about the positives instead of the negatives. Realising the impact of not going. Imagine if you didn’t give yourself the opportunity. Now you have done it you know you could do it again and you would be fine. Personally, these opportunities taught me a lot about myself. How I cope in social situations. How I coped with luggage being lost. With delays with travel. Adapting to change.
Encourage Small Steps and Gradual Changes:
Breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps can make change less intimidating. Encourage individuals to take incremental steps towards their goals, allowing them to adjust gradually and build confidence in their ability to navigate change.
Highlight the Benefits of Growth:
Help individuals focus on the potential benefits and personal growth that can arise from embracing change. Whether it’s learning new skills, forming meaningful connections, or achieving long-term goals, emphasising the positive outcomes can shift their perspective and diminish the impact bias.
Provide a Supportive Environment:
Creating a supportive and nurturing environment is crucial for overcoming the impact bias. Surrounding oneself with a network of friends, family, or mentors who encourage personal growth and provide constructive feedback can significantly boost confidence and resilience.
The impact bias may be a natural part of human psychology, but it doesn’t have to dictate our decisions or limit our potential for growth. By understanding this bias and implementing strategies to counteract it, individuals can embark on a journey of positive change with confidence and resilience. Embracing the unknown becomes an opportunity for personal development rather than a source of fear, paving the way for a more fulfilling and enriched life.
