Very recently, I realized that perception of an event makes a big difference in a way we react. Working out, running and long walks are pleasant activity unless a ferocious dog was running behind me. I learned that perception of the event makes a big deal in reaction and feedback. Events happen in our life. We always interpret the meaning of every event. We always classify in the definition of the experience, either happy or sad or whatever. It goes on and on throughout our lifespan. We react based on our perception of the event. We choose values by which we live and measure any event within the capacity of those values. The Complex Perception A dog running after me, and making me run faster is, in fact, perfect exercise. I did burn lot more calories than I usually burn by routine exercise. Instead of being happy, I was scared of that dog. I was so fearful of that dog that I changed my routine even though I realized that dog was leashed. The fear of that event created a complex perception and eventually a discouraging effect on my early morning habit of walking. Now I analyze that event while sitting in the comfort of my sofa, I realize, I could have used that event in my favor. In fact, I could have accelerated my early morning fat burning process. The brisk running accelerates that, and the leashed dog was running after everyone who comes close to him in the intent of to be playful. It was almost impossible to perceive that painful event in my favor. Life is quite simple if we take it as is if we inject the essence of positivity than we can turntable in favor. In fact, we all have complexity bias in perception. When we have to choose or react to a problem, we instead choose and react complicated way than an ordinary. We, to a degree, assume that easy way would not work. I quickly learned that I do not have the problem, but I am suffering from complexity in the perception of that particular event. Understanding Complexity Bias The language defines complexity as “the state of having many parts and being difficult to understand or find an answer to.” The definition of simplicity is “something is facile to understand.” The human being finds it comfortable to solve the complicated problems than the comfortable situation. We have evolved ourselves into the complex system from the elementary structure so as our thought process and cognitive skills. If complexity is not handled systematically, it quickly turns into chaos, if we talk about human than it could lead to disease, and if we imply to any situation, it could lead to disaster and degradation. The complexity bias is a logical fallacy that leads us to give undue credence to a complicated concept. We tend to look at something that is easy to understand, when we are in a state of confusion, and considering it as having many parts that are difficult to understand. For example, when a person suddenly starts to have a hallucination of smelling burnt toast, instead of examining for a stuffy nose or the common cold, many try to look for temporal lobe epilepsy. Same is true when someone is in the middle of life crisis or financial downturn. Instead of paying bills on time or ignoring them, they spend a large sum on cocktail and smoke and end up in a double whammy. Solution We need complexity even while we crave simplicity. Some complexity is desirable. When things are too simple, they are also viewed as dull and uneventful, but it is unsustainable without efforts. Simplicity is an excellent virtue, but it requires hard work to learn and to appreciate it. Successful personalities prosper by decoding complexities into intricate simplistic. Here are some points
Refrain from immediate judgment and decision making
It is equally harmful in quick decision making when and where it is possible to delay. In the example described, I took a quick decision that I would never pass through this street. That led to a disturbance in my routine and discouraging effect on a good habit. Instead, I should have stopped making quick decisions or take that event so easy to prevent further adverse effects.
Start with understanding by removing technological words.
Not all problems are as comfortable as I described but in the event of significant problems, understand the problem without emotions and complicated words. Using generic words instead of scientific terms varies from person to person and group by group. It is essential to understand the situation in straightforward words. I like to use a phrase “ explain to me like I am the 5th grader.”
Don't be fearful to ask a question.
( sometimes) Question to self
Many things we do not understand, We do not ask a question because we may sound stupid. That is a fear which adds complexity.
Put down problems in words.
I learned to write my problems on a piece of paper. That gives a sense of priority and gives some insight on solutions. Writing the problem on a piece of paper is like having a clear picture of entanglement.
Prioritize.
Prioritize problems. Start focusing on solving the most dangerous and personal problems. Stay away from unnecessary situations or person.
Seek help.
It is critical to seek help when the situation is out of control. Getting help may not solve a problem quickly. It may guide to a simple solution.
Learn to know when you are over thinking.
I have many situations where over thinking has led me to get different and inferior results than what I wanted to achieve. I learned the hard way to keep on a check of my habit, yet I occasionally I cannot avert it and over-analyze situation.
Finally, Principle of Parsimony
The simplest option is usually correct and the best possible choice. If we don't have enough knowledge or information, avoid making unfounded assumptions.