From: hubermanlab
In a recent episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman invited Dr. Adam Grant to discuss various psychological concepts, with a particular focus on understanding and addressing our blind spots. Blind spots in psychology refer to the areas of thinking or behavior that we fail to notice or acknowledge about ourselves. These blind spots can hinder personal growth and communication if not properly addressed.
The Nature of Blind Spots
Blind spots are essentially gaps in our self-awareness, where our cognitive biases or preconceived notions prevent us from seeing the full picture of reality. Dr. Grant suggests that one of the most prevalent forms of bias is the “I’m not biased bias,” also known as the bias blind spot. This bias occurs when individuals believe they are less biased than others, leading them to overlook their own cognitive distortions and errors in judgment. According to Dr. Grant, recognizing that we all possess blind spots is the first step toward addressing them ([01:40:00]).
Meta Bias
Dr. Grant describes the “I’m not biased bias” as a meta bias, which is the erroneous belief that one is more objective than others ([01:40:50]).
Strategies for Overcoming Blind Spots
To effectively manage and reduce blind spots, it is important to actively seek feedback from diverse and trusted sources. Dr. Grant emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who have different perspectives and are willing to challenge one’s assumptions. He encourages individuals to follow and engage with those they disagree with, especially those who demonstrate integrity and thoroughness in their thinking ([01:58:28]).
Another useful strategy is the “reflected best self-portrait,” an exercise where individuals collect stories from peers about times they were at their best. This exercise can help uncover strengths and competencies one might be unaware of, thus expanding self-awareness beyond commonly perceived limitations importance_of_selfawareness_in_personal_growth ([01:42:03]).
The Role of Humility and Curiosity
A critical component of overcoming blind spots is adopting a mindset of humility and curiosity, akin to the mindset of a scientist. Dr. Huberman recommends viewing all opinions as hypotheses to be tested and being open to the possibility of being wrong. This approach enables individuals to explore and acknowledge blind spots with a willingness to learn and adapt mindset_and_psychological_aspects_of_health_adherence ([01:54:02]).
To facilitate this, Dr. Grant encourages individuals to move beyond the “preacher, prosecutor, or politician” mindset—where one either advocates for their beliefs, attacks others’ beliefs, or tries to win approval—and instead, embrace a stance of inquiry and skepticism, continually questioning one’s assumptions.
Practical Takeaways
Engaging in regular self-reflection and soliciting feedback are key practices in enhancing self-awareness and addressing blind spots selfawareness_and_personal_growth. An open-minded approach to criticism and a genuine desire to understand diverse perspectives can transform blind spots into opportunities for growth. As Dr. Grant points out, acknowledging the existence of blind spots and actively seeking to uncover them can lead to significant personal and professional development.
For more information on improving self-awareness and addressing blind spots, listen to the full discussion on the Huberman Lab Podcast with Dr. Adam Grant.