The Streetlight Effect
Don't Search Only Where the Light Is
Ever lost something and found yourself looking only where the light is good? That's the streetlight effect—a cognitive bias that affects us all.
We get stuck in our usual ways of thinking, sticking to familiar paths, comfortable methods, and well-lit areas, relying on what's easy to access.
In other words:
We don't go where the truth might be. We go where the search is simplest.
This narrow focus leads to incomplete understanding and missed opportunities—in business and in life:
You might seek advice only from people who share your views, avoiding those who challenge you.
You tend to read and learn about familiar subjects, neglecting new topics or skills that could enhance your personal or professional growth.
When job hunting, you might focus on familiar roles, potentially missing out on exciting opportunities beyond your usual scope.
What we want often lies in the unknown.
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