Our past experiences create mental shortcuts; Heuristics.

These heuristics can prevent innovative solutions to problems.

This is called the Einstellung Effect: 👇🧵

1/ Also known as Maslow's Hammer

The over reliance on one tool (or solution system).

A hammer is great for nails, but it does not work for installing screws. It WILL work - but is not an optimal solution.

1.1 /

“I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”-Abraham Maslow

1.2/ Examples of the Einstellung Effect

• Your routine behaviors and thoughts you don't challenge. - " I am tired so I will work on my passion project another day."

• Your relating patterns with others. - Most relational styles are learned in childhood.

2/ To avoid the Einstellung Effect:

You must understand your cognitive biases.

Review a list of cognitive biases. Pick a bias to reflect on each week. Cultivate awareness in how your professional specialization creates lenses of problem solving.

https://thedecisionlab.com/biases

3/ Mindfulness or meditation increases self awareness

Being mindful is essentially being self aware.

Mindfulness is rooted in being present and reflecting in those present moments. Meditation has many approaches - and all generally improve mindfulness.

TL;DR

• Problems are framed based on past experiences.

• Solving a new problem prompts innovation.

• Solving similar problems prompts replication.

• Awareness of cognitive biases overcomes the effect.

• Mindfulness or meditation increases self awareness.