Cognitive Bias 5 of 25: Inconsistency/Avoidance Tendency

Have you ever wondered why humans love habits? It is comfortable for us to go on autopilot. Some things are great to have habits with, while others not so much. It is programmed, in our brains, that we fear inconsistency and going against the nature flow of things. So what do we do? We avoid it pretty much, at all costs. Even if it means a positive change, we will avoid the change. It is unavoidable because back in primitive times, we had to rely on the plan, of the leader, and anyone to deviate would write their own death warrant.

People do not like being thrown out of their comfort zones. It heightens their senses and will sometimes cause stress and anxiety. I believe that we need to do a better job throwing ourselves out of this comfort zone. Sales does just that! Talk about a nerve racking profession. You have to ask people some deep personal questions, in order to get sales. Not only that but a decent portion of people hate salespeople's guts. Mainly because they were screwed over, by some unethical salesperson, in the past (most have only heard about someone getting screwed over). But if you remember the disliking/hating tendency, we will hate people without all the facts.

How to Overcome This Tendency

No matter what, you cannot fully avoid this tendency. Habits are a strong part of our lives. Some habits are great though! If you are rocking and rolling brushing and flossing your teeth, then keep it up. Please don't stop because no one wants to smell that nasty fee breath! Fee = Coffee. Now, the other bad habits are the ones you should focus on. Eliminating an unhealthy habit is very rare. If you work to destroy them you are on your way to success. Here are some steps I took to help me with this:

1. Understand that change is good. People fear change so much that is immobilizes them from ever achieving their dreams. You have to embrace it if you want to achieve your goals.
2. Throw yourself out of your comfort zone. Force yourself to do positive things that you refuse to do. Recently, I went to a network marketing seminar. In the past, I would have never have let myself go but I forced myself to go and it was a good time. I was surprised and you will be too when you try new things.
3. If you are in sales, ask the hard questions. Those questions that take some major stones or lady stones to ask! They are nerve racking but you will get more confidence. A great way to get out of your comfort zone, in sales, is to cold call. Just go door to door or make cold calls all day and you get some thick skin.
4. Start attacking your bad habits. They are bad! They are unhealthy! They are killing you! You need to get out of it. I don't mean cutting back from 2 packs, of cigs, a day to 1. It does not change the fact that all cigs are horrible for you. Cut them out completely.
5. Replace a bad habit for a good one. The best way to cut a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. For example, most people gain weight, after cutting out cigs, because they inadvertently replace it with eating. Instead, chew gum whenever you get the jones for a smoke. That is how I cut weight after football.
6. Remove yourself from situations. People are easily influenced. Whenever I hung out with my friends that would constantly drink, I would drink. I had to remove myself from hanging out with them all the time because it only meant that we would drink and I felt like I was wasting my life (don't get me wrong I still drink occasionally but nowhere near like I used to). I was trying to get out of that lifestyle and the crabs in a bucket effect was happening. This one is the toughest with people. It is alright because there are so many great people and experiences out there! Just remember step number 2.
7. Minimize mindless TV and video games. The average American watches a couple hours of TV a day. That's insane and I was right there with that! I started cutting out TV and replaced it with books, audio books, experiences, and talking to people. It is so much better I urge you to try it. Start a new hobby or something. I forced myself to read more because I know that I will not get to the level, of success, that I know I am going to achieve, without reading. So it was an easy switch once I realized it.
8. Minimize social media. We spend just as much time on social these days. It is extremely addictive. I am in the process of this one and it is harder than TV.

You are going to struggle if you focus on too many things, at once. Do not bite off more than you can chew. Take it one step at a time (you'll find more success reasons in this post here) and focus on what you can control. Substitute the bad habits for good ones and you will gain more traction.

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-Cody