The illusion of control is the tendency to overestimate the amount of power one has over the outcome of uncontrollable events. If an outcome a person wants occurs, the person tends to believe they controlled the event. Wearing a lucky hat or shirt to help your favorite team win is an excellent example of this type of thinking.

The illusion affects people in a variety of situations. A person might engage in rituals or ruminate over a past event that they mistakenly believe they could have controlled the outcome for a different result. Some people who engage in the illusion of control think they control events and are more likely to practice risky behaviors. An extreme example of an illusion of control is when people try to make an event happen through sheer force of will. They try to direct events with their thoughts, like willing a traffic light to change color.

The Positive Impact of the Illusion of Control

The illusion of control makes people invest considerable time and energy into ineffective, counterproductive actions. However, the illusion can have positive effects. Here are a few of the positive aspects of the illusion of control.

• The illusion of control can help you feel better about yourself. Believing that good things happen due to your knowledge, skill or effort benefits your self-concept.
• The illusion of control is a motivator. If you believe that your actions determine an outcome, you are more likely to work hard to achieve your goal.
•  Feelings of helplessness decrease. The illusion of control prevents learned helplessness. It helps you avoid feeling like nothing you do will make a difference.
• The illusion of control can inspire healthier behaviors. People who feel their actions impact their health are more prone to engage in health-focused behaviors.

Practically everyone is susceptible to the illusion of control. However, you can lessen the effects and make deliberate, accurate judgments and decisions.

Try an Outside Perspective

Do not depend only on your thinking. Consider information from the outside world that might affect an outcome. Consider whether your actions are having an effect or whether there are other influences in play. Take a moment to consider the different influences which can help put your role in perspective.

Use Scientific Thinking

Scientific thinking is a fantastic way to avoid falling for the illusion of control. Scientific thinking enables people to reduce mistaken beliefs about causation and control to make better judgments by thinking through situations scientifically.

Seek Other Opinions

If you are worried that you are assuming too much personal responsibility to affect the outcome of something in your life, ask other people for their opinions. It is an effective way to get an outside perspective and consider other factors you might have ignored.

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