Action Bias

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 -