Action bias

We act in order to gain some sense of control or even to eliminate a problem

-      1 - Doing something is better than doing nothing

o  We see this in business where we begin looking for solutions before we have even fully developed what the problem is.

o  This is what we do when we are dealing with addictive behaviors.

o  Giving in to our urges is an action that we engage in for a variety of reasons – sometimes because we think it will make the urge go away or because we want to do it regardless of the consequences.

o  This also comes into play when we engage in distracting ourselves.

o  Keep ourselves busy – go run rather than deal with the urge, get busy with work rather than deal with the urge other distracting behaviors.

o  Or the classic, “im craving this, so I have to eat it.”

o  

-      12 - Others expect me to do something.

o  Soccer goalies jumping left or right when statistically they should stay in the middle of the goal

o  White knuckling is a form of action where we exert extraordinary effort to keep our urges and impulses at bay.

o  Others expect us to just do it, or in this case not do it. 

o  The action we are taking is fighting the urge

o  Holding it at bay.

o  

-      There is an alternative.

-      David Attenborough – iguana chased by killer snakes video. 

-      Narrates very little, at end says in a chill voice – a near miraculous escape.

-      That’s it,

-      Allowing the urge –

-      Just sit and watch it

-      Do nothing,

-      Observe – feelings, thoughts, urges

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