About a year ago, a woman phoned me from the USA and asked: ‘I recently lost my life savings of $100,000 on the stock market. My family are really disappointed in me. When will I get my money back?’ Her question to me displayed a form of what psychologists call ‘magical thinking’. She spoke as if she believed that some universal law existed, which meant that she was destined to receive her lost money back, soon. Of course, no such universal law exists. She’d lost her money on the stock market. It was gone.
A few years before I took that call, I knew a man who’d gambled his life savings on the stock market too, when he retired, in an attempt to boost his retirement fund. Instead he lost everything and had to return to work, part-time, at the factory job he hated, at which he’d previously spent years looking forward to his retirement. He also seemed to believe that he ‘couldn’t lose’.
Magical thinking, is the belief that one’s thoughts or actions can directly influence the external world. It’s a common cognitive bias that can lead to a range of negative consequences. While it may provide temporary comfort or a sense of control, engaging in magical thinking can ultimately hinder our ability to live a rational and fulfilling life, causing costly errors, as described above. Let’s consider some of the pitfalls of magical thinking.
1. Impaired Decision-Making:
Magical thinking can cloud our judgement and lead us to make poor decisions. When we believe that our actions or thoughts have a magical effect, we may neglect to consider logical evidence or seek expert advice. This can result in missed opportunities, financial losses, or even harm to ourselves or others.
2. Superstitious Beliefs:
Magical thinking often manifests as superstitions, or irrational beliefs about the relationship between events. For example, we may avoid walking under ladders or believe that spilling salt will bring bad luck. While these beliefs may seem harmless, they can perpetuate irrational fears and limit our ability to think critically.
3. Lack of Accountability:
When we attribute events to magical forces, we may absolve ourselves of responsibility for our actions. This can lead to a lack of accountability and a sense of entitlement. We may believe that we can escape the consequences of our behaviour because we have some magical protection or power.
4. False Sense of Control:
Magical thinking can provide a false sense of control over our lives. By believing that our thoughts or rituals can influence the world, we may feel a sense of empowerment. However, this illusion of control is ultimately fragile and can lead to disappointment and frustration when things don’t go our way
5. Hindering Personal Growth:
Magical thinking can prevent us from facing our problems and taking responsibility for our lives. When we believe that we can solve our problems through magical thinking behaviours, we may avoid confronting the underlying issues that need to be addressed. This can hinder our personal growth and prevent us from achieving our full potential.
Overcoming Magical Thinking:
Overcoming magical thinking requires a conscious effort to challenge our irrational beliefs and develop more rational thought patterns. Here are some strategies to help:
* **Question Your Beliefs:** Regularly examine your thoughts and beliefs for any signs of magical thinking. Ask yourself if there is any logical evidence to support your beliefs or if you’re simply relying on superstition. * **Seek Logical Explanations:** When faced with a situation, try to find rational solutions. Consider alternative perspectives and consult with experts if necessary. * **Practice Mindfulness:** Mindfulness techniques can help us become more aware of our thoughts and identify any irrational beliefs that may be influencing our behaviour. * **Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:** Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts, including magical thinking. * **Education:** Educating ourselves about the dangers of magical thinking and the importance of rational thought can help us become more aware of our cognitive biases and avoid falling into the trap of magical thinking.
In conclusion, while engaging in magical thinking may provide temporary comfort, it ultimately has a detrimental impact on our decision-making, personal growth, and overall well-being. By questioning our beliefs, seeking logical explanations, and challenging irrational thoughts, we can overcome the pitfalls of magical thinking and develop a more rational and fulfilling life.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 