Some years back, I rediscovered introspection and shadow work, and when I looked back at my career and later, my business, I realized I was driven entirely by fear. At the time, I thought I was just being cautious, but in reality, I was holding myself back because I didn’t believe I could succeed. I kept finding evidence to support my fears and ignored the facts that showed I could actually pull it off. Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever talked yourself out of a good idea or convinced yourself that something “just won’t work,” you might be letting confirmation bias run the show.
What’s confirmation bias, you ask? It’s when we subconsciously seek out evidence that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring anything that contradicts them. And when we’re in business, those beliefs are often rooted in fear or doubt. The result? Self-sabotage.
Here’s how to recognize when it’s happening and how to stop it from derailing your business.
Spot the Signs of Confirmation Bias
First things first: you have to know what to look for. When you’re making decisions about your business, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are your thoughts leaning toward fear? Are you searching for reasons something won’t work? For example, maybe you think launching a new offer is too risky. Ask yourself:
- “Am I basing this on facts or just fear?”
“Is this decision aligned with my long-term goals, or am I avoiding discomfort?”
Self-awareness is key here. When you can identify these patterns, you’ve already taken the first step toward breaking them.
Get a Second Opinion (From the Right People)
When your brain is stuck in confirmation bias mode, it’s hard to see the big picture. That’s why it’s so helpful to bring in trusted advisors, mentors, or even colleagues for a fresh perspective. They might point out opportunities or solutions you’ve overlooked.
Here’s the thing: make sure the people you’re turning to align with your values and goals. The last thing you want is advice from someone who doesn’t understand your vision.
For instance, if you’re thinking about scaling your business but feel unsure, ask someone who’s been there. They can help you weigh the risks without letting fear cloud your judgment.
Practice Mindfulness to Stay Grounded
When you’re stuck in your own head, confirmation bias has a field day. Practicing mindfulness can help you tune into the present moment and stop those unhelpful thought patterns in their tracks.
Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine:
– Start your day with a 5-minute meditation to clear your mind.
– Take breaks to step outside, breathe, and reset.
– Journal about your fears and goals to bring subconscious thoughts to the surface.
The goal is to keep yourself grounded to make decisions based on reality, not fear.
Test Your Assumptions
Think you’re not cut out for something? Or that a strategy won’t work for your business? Instead of taking those thoughts at face value, test them. Treat your assumptions like hypotheses and put them to the test with small, low-risk experiments.
For example:
– If you think a social media campaign won’t work, run a small test with a limited budget and analyze the results.
– If you’re convinced people won’t pay for a premium offer, survey your audience or run a beta launch to gauge interest.
You might be surprised by what you learn when you challenge your own beliefs.
Remember Why You Started
At the end of the day, it all comes back to your “why.” Why did you start your business in the first place? What impact do you want to make? When self-doubt starts to creep in, reconnect with that purpose. It’ll remind you that the risks are worth it and help you push past the fear.
Breaking the cycle of self-sabotage isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. By recognizing confirmation bias, seeking fresh perspectives, and staying mindful, you can make decisions that move your business forward—not hold it back.
Want to Dive Deeper Into Breaking Free from Confirmation Bias?
Recognizing and overcoming confirmation bias is no small feat—it takes practice, reflection, and the right tools to challenge those negative thought patterns. That’s why I’ve created a free, step-by-step workbook designed to help you reframe your mindset, identify automatic thoughts, and build confidence in your decision-making.
Think of it as your pocket guide to staying grounded and aligned with your goals. With practical exercises and actionable prompts, this workbook is perfect for tackling those moments when fear or doubt tries to take the wheel. Remember: progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Do you need personalized support to stay on track? Let’s work together to build your business in a way that aligns with your vision and values. Schedule a free consultation with me today!
