There’s a stark contrast between thinking with bias and thinking without it.

Bias can cloud your judgement, making choices for you based on preconceived notions.

However, less biased thinking allows for clarity and better decision making. It lets you see things from a fresh perspective, not muddled by prejudice or stereotypes.

Those who embrace this type of thinking often cultivate certain habits that transform their thought process. And believe me, there are key habits that can help you cultivate less biased thinking.

Let’s dive into the eight transformative habits often adopted by people who embrace less biased thinking.

1) They constantly question their own beliefs

Embracing less biased thinking isn’t a simple one-time decision, it’s a continuous journey.

People who adopt this mindset often have a habit of regularly questioning their own beliefs and assumptions. It’s almost as if they’re their own harshest critic.

This might seem counterintuitive or exhausting, but it’s the cornerstone of less biased thinking. By questioning your own beliefs, you’re actively working to eliminate prejudices and stereotypes that might cloud your judgement.

This constant self-interrogation allows them to see things from multiple perspectives, and not just from their own viewpoint.

It’s challenging, but it’s also liberating. It frees them from the shackles of their own biases and allows them to make more informed decisions.

So, the next time you make an assumption or jump to a conclusion, take a step back and question it. Could there be another angle you’re not considering? Are you letting your biases cloud your judgement?

Remember, less biased thinking starts with you questioning yourself.

2) They actively seek diverse perspectives

From personal experience, I can tell you that one of the most transformative habits I’ve adopted to reduce bias in my thinking is actively seeking out diverse perspectives.

There was a time when I was working on a project and I found myself stuck in a rut. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find a way forward. It was frustrating.

Then one day, I decided to ask for input from colleagues who came from different backgrounds and had varied experiences. The insights they provided were eye-opening. They brought in perspectives and solutions I hadn’t considered before.

That’s when it hit me – our biases often limit us to familiar ways of thinking. By actively seeking diverse perspectives, it broadens our understanding and provides us with new ways of looking at problems.

So now, whenever I’m faced with a challenge, instead of just relying on my own thoughts and experiences, I make it a point to seek out other viewpoints. You’d be surprised how often this simple habit can lead to innovative solutions and less biased decision-making.

3) They regularly practice mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a practice that has been scientifically shown to reduce bias.

A study from Central Michigan University revealed that a short mindfulness exercise was enough to reduce unconscious racial and age bias. Essentially, mindfulness allows us to be more aware of our thoughts and actions, making us less likely to act on our biases.

People who embrace less biased thinking often incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routine. This could be as simple as a few minutes of meditation in the morning or taking mindful breaks throughout the day.

By being more aware of their thought processes, they are better equipped to catch themselves when they are leaning towards biased thinking, and can then actively work towards a more balanced perspective.

So, while mindfulness might seem like just another trend, its impact on reducing bias is significant and backed by research.

4) They embrace being wrong

Sounds strange, right? But those who are less biased often embrace the possibility of being wrong.

They understand that no one is right all the time and that accepting our mistakes is a vital part of learning and growth. By acknowledging they could be wrong, they open themselves up to other viewpoints and ideas.

This habit helps them to question their own biases and assumptions, leading to a more balanced perspective. It also makes them more approachable and open to feedback, which further aids in reducing bias.

So don’t be afraid of being wrong – it’s just an opportunity to learn, grow, and reduce bias in your thinking.

5) They practice empathy

At the heart of less biased thinking is empathy.

It’s not always easy to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, especially when their experiences are vastly different from ours. But those who adopt less biased thinking make a habit of practicing empathy.

This doesn’t mean just understanding someone else’s feelings on a surface level. It means truly feeling with them, sharing their joys and their pain.

This deep level of understanding allows them to see things from other perspectives, breaking down barriers and challenging their own biases.

Practicing empathy can be difficult. It involves vulnerability and openness. But the rewards it offers in terms of reducing bias and fostering understanding are immeasurable.

So, make a conscious effort to practice empathy. Try to truly understand those around you. Not only will it reduce bias in your thinking, but it can also deepen your relationships and enrich your life.

6) They embrace discomfort

Here’s a confession: I’m not always comfortable with discomfort. I mean, who is, right? But I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is essential for less biased thinking.

Once, I was offered an opportunity to work on a project that was completely out of my field. It was intimidating and I was tempted to decline. But I took the leap and accepted it.

The experience was incredibly challenging. I had to unlearn many preconceived notions and biases I had about the field. But as I pushed through the discomfort, I grew. My thinking became less biased, more open.

Embracing discomfort can lead to growth in unexpected ways. It forces us to challenge our biases, question our assumptions, and confront our fears.

It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. So don’t shy away from discomfort. Embrace it and let it transform your thinking.

7) They cultivate curiosity

Curiosity is a powerful tool in combating bias.

People who adopt less biased thinking often have an insatiable curiosity. They’re eager to learn, to explore, to understand. They don’t just accept things at face value. Instead, they ask questions, dig deeper, and seek the truth.

This habit of nurturing curiosity broadens their horizons and exposes them to a wide variety of perspectives. It helps them challenge their own biases and assumptions.

Cultivating curiosity means being open to new experiences, ideas, and cultures. It means not being afraid to ask questions, even if they might seem naive or silly.

So let your curiosity run wild. Seek out new experiences and knowledge. Ask questions. It’s a fantastic way to broaden your perspective and reduce bias in your thinking.

8) They make a conscious effort to reduce bias

Above all, people who embrace less biased thinking make a conscious, deliberate effort to reduce bias in their thoughts and actions.

They don’t just passively hope to become less biased. They actively work towards it. They question their assumptions, seek diverse perspectives, practice empathy, and continually learn and grow.

Reducing bias is not something that happens overnight. It’s a journey that requires commitment and patience. But the reward of clear, unbiased thinking is worth the effort.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So take that first step today towards less biased thinking. You’ll be amazed at where the journey takes you.

Final thought: It’s a journey

The path to less biased thinking is not always easy, but it is rewarding.

One important thing to remember is that this isn’t just about changing habits; it’s about changing the way we see the world and ourselves.

Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself – and you are the easiest person to fool.”

This quote serves as a powerful reminder that our minds can often play tricks on us, leading us to believe things that reinforce our existing biases.

But by adopting these transformative habits, we can start to see through these illusions and uncover a clearer, less biased view of the world.

It’s not an overnight process, but with determination and patience, we can train ourselves to think differently, to challenge our biases and assumptions, and ultimately, to reach a more balanced perspective.

And that’s the beauty of this journey. It’s not about reaching a destination. It’s about continual growth, understanding, and self-improvement. So let’s embark on this journey towards less biased thinking together – one transformative habit at a time.