Here are your Week 3 Essentials, summed up:
- The ladder of inference. We are all working our own ladders of inference all the time. If left unchecked, we use this mechanism to fool ourselves without realizing it.
- Where the ladder comes from. Often, the ladder of inference is fueled by habit or perhaps more harmful, an amygdala response. The amygdala response is a primitive physical response designed to keep us safe.
- Why would I want to challenge my ladder? The problem with the ladder (and the amygdala) is, they work to keep things exactly as they are. Letting these forces drive us limits our ability to grow and play big. By challenging habitual responses like these, we can get better at reality, sifting out the facts and letting go of fear-based interpretations, stories, and beliefs that get in the way of reaching our potential.
- What is the first step to stop myself from short-circuiting reality? Challenging these habits begins with self-awareness about these patterns, their origins in our anatomy, and how they tend to show up for us. Now that you understand how this force is at work in our lives, check out this week’s Learning Lab for practical tips on getting better at seeing other points of view.
