Your Brain Can Prove Anything
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: How Your Brain is the CEO of Your Limiting Beliefs
When you hear the term "confirmation bias," what comes to mind? For most of us, it’s political debates, news echo chambers, or deeply held social prejudices. While those applications are certainly true, I’ve found that the most powerful, immediate, and often destructive version of confirmation bias lives right inside our own heads.
It’s the quiet killer of momentum, the engine of the "I have to do it all" myth, and the reason we get stuck: it proves the limiting story you tell yourself.
Our Brain: Attorney at Law
Think of your mind not as a neutral observer, but as a high-powered attorney whose sole job is to win your current case. Once you decide on a central narrative, your brain goes to work, filtering every piece of data to support that story.
Here’s how this strategy works in real life, especially for mission-driven leaders and entrepreneurs:
Case 1: The Scarcity Narrative
Let’s say you’ve been feeling the pressure of the hustle and the economy feels uncertain. You start telling yourself the story: “The economy is terrible, and my business will not do well.”
The Evidence You Collect: You notice every single competitor struggling. You focus on the one pitch that was declined. You interpret a client’s hesitation as a sign that your prices are too high. You actively look for headlines that confirm a recession. Your brain successfully proves your original story, and you contract your efforts, guaranteeing the outcome you feared.
Case 2: The Abundance Narrative (The Joy Jumpstart)
Now, let’s flip the script. You tell yourself the story: “Even with external uncertainty, people need my services more than ever, and I have the perfect strategy to help them.”
The Evidence You Collect: You focus on the three amazing clients you onboarded last month. You interpret a competitor’s struggle as a gap in the market that you are perfectly positioned to fill. You actively seek out and read articles about resilient, purpose-driven businesses that are succeeding. You’ve now confirmed a growth mindset, prompting you to take more confident action.
Where Are You Finding Your Evidence?
Confirmation bias is so powerful because it feels like reality. We aren’t just making things up; we are cherry-picking real facts to fit our narrative. Both the positive and negative stories have evidence, but only one leads to progress and joy.
If your value is tied to being the "strong one," your bias will ensure you find every reason why asking for help is impossible. If your value is tied to being "unstoppable," your bias will ensure you find every small win to fuel your next steps.
This isn't just about motivation; it's a strategic choice. The narrative you reinforce dictates the opportunities you see, the risks you take, and the energy you dedicate to your mission.
❓ I’m curious:: What “evidence” are you currently finding to support the biggest limiting myth you have about your career or business right now?
