As we have talked about earlier, our brain often makes decisions on poor and even false logic[1]. To put it bluntly, our brain often behaves like a terrible scientist with a blind, rock solid belief in his own findings and predictions.[2]

Cognitive therapists have found that our brains come up with similar false facts and errors in thinking[1] that, if left unattended[2], can start to eat away at our self-esteem[3] and get in the way of us reaching our goals and building healthy relationships.[4]

A negative experience, lack of support, an overwhelming challenge or a loss in a person's life for instance can contribute to the brain creating errors, or cognitive biases in our thinking[1]. It’s important to note that biases are present in most people[2] and can also arise after positive experiences.[3]

If you are self-critical and hard on yourself leading up to achieving success[1], your brain can start to apply self-criticism as the main strategy to succeed in the future[2]. Telling yourself ‘you’re not good enough’, can become the ‘go to’ inner dialogue to achieve your goals.[3]

These biases can become automatic patterns on how we view the world[1]. They have a tendency to become especially loud and problematic when we are going through difficult times[2], and are often major contributors in worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression.[3]

Often we are only aware of emotions and actions that follow the biases in our thinking[1]. Learning how to recognise our own biases[2], allows us the opportunity to become objective and rational in how we think about ourselves, our future and our past.[3]