Verified by Psychology Today

Decisions That Matter

Beyond human bias.

Bias
The Trilogy of Errors: Hidden Influences on Your Decisions

Nuala G Walsh on April 30, 2024

Don't assume you're a great decision-maker until you understand the potential power of the trilogy of errors. Understanding it is the first step.

Don't assume you're a great decision-maker until you understand the potential power of the trilogy of errors. Understanding it is the first step.

Attention
Missed Signals: Navigating the Misinformation Maze

Nuala G Walsh on February 1, 2024

With too many mixed signals and crossed wires, we tune out what matters and compromise our judgment. Understanding how and why is a simple but powerful start.

With too many mixed signals and crossed wires, we tune out what matters and compromise our judgment. Understanding how and why is a simple but powerful start.

Cognition
Misjudgement: Why We Trust What We See vs. What We Hear

Nuala G Walsh on October 31, 2023

We think we decide with a balanced lens but we judge based on sight a lot more than sound. We trust what we see more than what we hear — and it can be a mistake.

We think we decide with a balanced lens but we judge based on sight a lot more than sound. We trust what we see more than what we hear — and it can be a mistake.

Resilience
7 Ways to Bounce Back From Setbacks

Nuala G Walsh on October 1, 2023

It's common to feel down after bad news, setbacks, trauma, or mistakes. But the cost of dwelling in despair is too high.

It's common to feel down after bad news, setbacks, trauma, or mistakes. But the cost of dwelling in despair is too high.

Identity
Sinead O’Connor's Legacy: The Art of Being Yourself

Nuala G Walsh on July 31, 2023

In an overly-curated world, you can stand out in many ways. Being yourself is a path few choose. An Irish songstress showed us how to do this better than most.

In an overly-curated world, you can stand out in many ways. Being yourself is a path few choose. An Irish songstress showed us how to do this better than most.

Confidence
Why Confidence Can Be a Con

Nuala G Walsh on May 31, 2023

It's easy to envy the confident speaker or performer but know the con of the confident. It’s just a carefully curated game—and one anyone can play.

It's easy to envy the confident speaker or performer but know the con of the confident. It’s just a carefully curated game—and one anyone can play.

Jealousy
6 Simple Strategies to Neutralize Envy

Nuala G Walsh on January 30, 2023

Don't be stuck in envy. It's much easier to overcome than you think. Try these six simple strategies for an instant mood booster.

Don't be stuck in envy. It's much easier to overcome than you think. Try these six simple strategies for an instant mood booster.

Motivation
Why Too Much Focus on Achieving Goals Harms Your Judgment

Nuala G Walsh on December 30, 2022

We think chasing goals is always smart. But it can destroy your ethical judgment. You can avoid the risks using behavioral science in six easy steps.

We think chasing goals is always smart. But it can destroy your ethical judgment. You can avoid the risks using behavioral science in six easy steps.

Bias
The 7 Deadly Sins That Brought Down Liz Truss in 7 Weeks

Nuala G Walsh on November 29, 2022

You may think you'd never have made the mistakes of former British Prime Minister Liz Truss. But unconscious bias suggests differently. Find out which ones to spot in your own decisions.

You may think you'd never have made the mistakes of former British Prime Minister Liz Truss. But unconscious bias suggests differently. Find out which ones to spot in your own decisions.

Grief
Mourning a Monarch: Why People Cry For Virtual Strangers

Nuala G Walsh on September 25, 2022

Many mourned the loss of a 7-decade monarch. Yet few knew her. Understanding the 8 reasons behind this phenomenon makes sense of a collective experience that felt oddly personal.

Many mourned the loss of a 7-decade monarch. Yet few knew her. Understanding the 8 reasons behind this phenomenon makes sense of a collective experience that felt oddly personal.

Relationships
Why Taking Advice Always Beats Giving Advice

Nuala G Walsh on August 31, 2022

Accepted wisdom suggests you should give more than you take. But when it comes to advice, being a taker rather than a giver may well be the better route to maintaining reputation.

Accepted wisdom suggests you should give more than you take. But when it comes to advice, being a taker rather than a giver may well be the better route to maintaining reputation.

Cognition
Overhyped: The Not-So-Great Resignation

Nuala G Walsh on July 31, 2022

Do you still subscribe to the myth of the "Great Resignation"? Despite recent reports by Microsoft and McKinsey, shifting momentum and a new decision context make it unlikely.

Do you still subscribe to the myth of the "Great Resignation"? Despite recent reports by Microsoft and McKinsey, shifting momentum and a new decision context make it unlikely.