Optimism bias makes us believe bad things won’t happen to us—but might happen to others. This cognitive illusion can feel empowering but often leads to risky planning, overcommitment, and overlooked warning signs. Explore how this common distortion shapes your sense of certainty, and what it takes to see clearly.

The clustering illusion tricks us into finding meaningful patterns in random data. From gambling streaks to medical scares, our brains search for coherence—even when events are purely coincidental. This bias fuels superstition, misjudged risks, and overreactions. Learn how to step back and see randomness for what it is.

The spotlight effect tricks us into believing everyone is paying attention to our mistakes, flaws, or appearance—when they’re not. This cognitive bias amplifies self-consciousness, distorts our confidence, and quietly shapes how we show up in the world. Learn how to step out from under the imaginary spotlight.

The representativeness heuristic makes us judge people and events based on how well they fit a mental prototype—often ignoring actual data. From hiring bias to courtroom errors, this cognitive shortcut swaps statistical reasoning for surface resemblance. Learn how to override the urge to go with “what seems right.”

The availability heuristic leads us to believe something is more likely or true simply because it’s easier to recall. This vivid-memory bias affects our fears, judgments, and decisions—often without us realizing it. Learn how emotionally charged events distort logic and how to think beyond the loudest memory.

Overconfidence bias is our tendency to overestimate our knowledge, accuracy, and skill—often without realizing it. From false memories to failed predictions, this entry explores why we’re so sure of ourselves, even when we’re wrong, and how to recalibrate our thinking without losing our self-trust.

Mood-driven thinking occurs when our emotional state distorts how we interpret situations, assess others, and make decisions—often without our awareness. This entry explores how mood influences thought, why it happens, and how to separate real insight from emotional interference.

Belief bias is our tendency to accept arguments that align with what we already believe—even if they’re logically weak—and reject sound reasoning if the conclusion feels wrong. This entry explores how belief bias distorts judgment, fuels polarization, and keeps us stuck in echo chambers of our own making.

The Semmelweis Reflex is the knee-jerk rejection of new ideas simply because they challenge old beliefs. From workplace resistance to cultural pushback, this bias keeps us tethered to the past. This entry explores the psychology behind it—and how to recognize and release it when growth is calling.

Effort justification convinces us that anything we struggled for must be worth it—even when it isn’t. This bias distorts our decisions, keeps us clinging to sunk costs, and inflates mediocre outcomes. In this entry, learn why we defend our effort and how to break free from the illusion of earned value.

Illusory correlation tricks us into seeing patterns that don’t exist—like stereotypes, superstitions, or cause-effect myths. It feels intuitive but distorts our thinking. This entry explores how and why we form false links and how to interrupt them before they become belief systems.

Status quo bias keeps us stuck—not because things are working, but because they’re familiar. We resist change, rationalize broken systems, and mistake comfort for clarity. This entry explores why we cling to the known and how to challenge that reflex with real psychological tools.

Zero-risk bias makes us focus on eliminating small, manageable risks—even when reducing larger ones would have a greater impact. We choose the illusion of complete safety over meaningful progress. This entry explores the psychology behind it and offers tools to prioritize what really matters.

Risk compensation happens when safety features—physical or emotional—make us behave more recklessly. From seatbelts to long-term relationships, the safer we feel, the more risks we unconsciously take. This entry unpacks how the bias works and shows how to stay grounded even when things feel secure.

We underestimate how long tasks will take—even when we’ve done them before. The planning fallacy leads us to overcommit, underdeliver, and blame ourselves for being “bad at time management.” This entry breaks down the bias, explores why it persists, and offers tools to recalibrate your expectations with reality.

We often think others can see our nervousness, our guilt, or our hesitation—but most of the time, they can’t. The illusion of transparency makes us feel exposed when we’re not, leading to overcompensation, shame, and miscommunication. This entry breaks it down and shows you how to see it clearly.