Action Bias

Action biasWe act in order to gain some sense of control or even to eliminate a problem-      1 - Doing something is better than doing nothingo  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 goalo  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 urgeo  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-