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There’s a clear connection between having an open mind and finding success in life. Falling victim to preconceived notions that hold you back is all too easy.
Everyone has preconceived notions, even if they don’t realize it. Have you ever had high expectations for a new movie just because it got a high score on Rotten Tomatoes? Or made assumptions about a person because of their ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, income, or even the clothes they wear?
These are basic examples of preconceived notions. In some cases, these notions are relatively harmless.
But sometimes, they can hurt your relationships and even hold you back from success.
Big ideas
- Understand what a preconceived notion is and how it affects other people.
- Challenge preconceived notions about yourself.
- Learn to catch and correct yourself when you become aware of these notions.
Preconceived notion meaning and examples
A preconceived notion is an opinion, idea, or belief formed without adequate evidence or experience. These notions often develop unconsciously, shaped by our environment, upbringing, and societal influences.
It can be hard to define preconceived notions, because they are so common, varied, and hard to see (more on that later). But understanding the concept is crucial, because these ideas can significantly impact our decisions, relationships, and overall success in life.
Let’s take a look at some of the common types of unconscious biases (another word for preconceived notions), with some examples.
External preconceived notions
External preconceived notions are assumptions we make about others or situations outside ourselves. These can manifest in various forms of unconscious bias. Here are a few of the most common:
Affinity Bias
Affinity bias is the tendency to favor people who are similar to us. For instance, a hiring manager might unconsciously prefer candidates who attended the same college, potentially overlooking more qualified applicants from different backgrounds.
Perception Bias
Perception bias involves making judgments based on how we expect a person or situation to be, rather than through objective information. For example, you might assume someone who wears glasses is smart or nerdy, without knowing anything about how they think.
Halo Effect
The halo effect occurs when one positive trait influences our overall impression of a person or thing. If a coworker is particularly funny, you might assume they’re also competent, and overlook their sloppy work.
Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs. Here’s a common one: People who believe a certain political party is always right, might only seek out news sources that align with their views, and reject anything that challenges them. This only reinforces existing beliefs.
Stereotype Threat
Stereotype threat occurs when individuals are at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group. A female student might underperform on a math test if reminded of the stereotype that women are bad at math, even if she’s typically skilled in the subject.
Internal preconceived notions
Internal preconceived notions are beliefs we hold about ourselves. These are often formed through:
- Influence of adults in our lives: The way our parents, guardians, teachers, or other influential adults speak to us and about us can shape our self-perception from an early age.
- Peer interactions: Our experiences with friends and classmates can reinforce or challenge our beliefs about ourselves.
- Societal expectations: Cultural norms and media representations create internalized beliefs about what we’re capable of or how we should behave. These are often the hardest ones to identify later in life.
- Past experiences: Our successes and failures can create lasting impressions that influence our self-perception.
It’s natural to be influenced by the people and the cultures that surround you. Many of your core beliefs and ideals are built on the morals of people you grew up with or your societal mores.
However, being able to identify the root cause of your beliefs can help you understand whether they are your true beliefs, or preconceived notions that you’ve never challenged.
Challenging preconceived notions, both internal and external, is no walk in the park. But opening your mind and trying new things makes for a richer, fuller, and more successful life.
Preconceived notions that hold you back
We also form preconceived notions about ourselves. Sometimes these notions can be beneficial and give us a boost of confidence, all because we see ourselves with a positive bias.
But preconceived notions can also be detrimental to our success. These are some of the most common notions that hold you back:
1. “I don’t have enough experience to advance yet.”
Have you ever come across a job description that sounded ideal, but you decided not to apply because you felt underqualified?
You’re not alone. According to a 2023 study from TestGorilla, 42% of workers feel they’ve lost out on a job in the past because of their lack of qualifications or experience.
In some cases, you may be right—some jobs require certain degrees or qualifications. But often, employers make a “wish list” of qualities, but will compromise for the right candidate.
If you’re already holding onto the notion that you aren’t qualified enough to try new things or learn new skills, you will never know if you are the right candidate.
Will you watch opportunity after opportunity pass you by as less-qualified candidates get the job because you admitted defeat without even applying?
Remember that other skills, such as the willingness to learn, can be just as important as the experience itself.
2. “I’m not smart enough. I don’t have the right education.”
We often compare ourselves to other people and our perception of their intelligence. However, humans aren’t always the best judges when it comes to smarts.
For example, put a genius who is quiet and shy next to a person who is loud, confident, and talkative. Our unconscious bias will likely tell us to listen to the person who is smiling and speaking at a loud volume. We often mistake confidence for intelligence due to our preconceived notions.
Sometimes we lack confidence in our own intelligence because of our educational background. We feel less qualified or not smart enough because we don’t have a degree, or the “right” degree.
But the belief that your existing degree, or lack thereof, immediately makes you unqualified for certain positions isn’t always the case. In today’s world, there are many alternatives to college, and more employers appreciate these unique educational pathways.
Even without a formal degree, there are many ways you can work your way up within a company. In fact, many organizations reward employees who have demonstrated their work ethic and loyalty to the company while working their way up the corporate ladder.
If you’re truly unhappy with your education, you can always enroll in online courses and workshops to give yourself the extra edge you think you’re missing.
But don’t let your lack of confidence in your education level or degree be a notion that holds you back.
3. “I’m waiting for the right time.”
You tell yourself you’ll know when the time is right…but how do you really know?
The thought that now isn’t the right time for one reason or another is a prime procrastination tactic. Don’t let this notion hold you back because you think you don’t have the right experience, time, or opportunity.
Chances are, the time will never be just right. You have to overcome your fear, make the jump, and see what happens.
Otherwise, you’ll be sitting in the same spot forever, still waiting for the right time that never comes.
4. “I’m an expert. I already know everything I need to know.”
Confidence is good, but it’s possible for your self-bias to give you an unhealthy dose.
Nobody knows everything. Part of the human experience is being a lifelong learner, so it’s important to keep your ego (and its pertaining notions) in check.
The moment you decide you have nothing left to learn is the moment you stop growing as an individual.
Unlocking your potential: Challenging preconceived notions
Recognizing and challenging your preconceived notions can be a game-changer in your personal and professional life. When you start to question these ingrained beliefs, you open doors to new opportunities, experiences, and relationships that you might have previously overlooked or avoided.
By challenging your preconceived notions, you can:
- Boost your confidence and self-esteem
- Expand your career prospects
- Improve your relationships and social connections
- Enhance your problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Cultivate a more open and empathetic worldview
Sounds good, no? But to access these lifelong benefits, you’ll have to put in the work. Here’s how to start overcoming your preconceived notions:
Meditation and self-reflection
Taking time for introspection is crucial in identifying and challenging your preconceived notions. Regular meditation and self-reflection can help you become more aware of your thoughts and beliefs, allowing you to examine them more objectively.
Start by setting aside a few minutes each day for quiet reflection. Start with five minutes, and go up from there. You might choose to journal, or simply sit quietly and listen to your thoughts.
As you listen, try not to pass judgment on your thoughts. Imagine that you are listening to a recording or someone else speak, and you cannot interject or challenge.
Notice any recurring beliefs or assumptions, especially those that might be limiting you. Ask yourself where these ideas came from and whether they’re based on evidence or just habit.
As you become more aware of your preconceived notions, you can begin to challenge them. Question whether these beliefs are serving you well or holding you back. This process of self-examination can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s a powerful tool for personal growth.
Check out these articles for more tips on meditation and self-reflection:
Diversifying experiences and relationships
One of the most effective ways to challenge your preconceived notions is to expose yourself to diverse experiences and people. When you step out of your comfort zone and interact with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, you naturally begin to question your assumptions.
Seek out opportunities to try new activities, visit unfamiliar places, or engage with communities different from your own. This could mean traveling to a new country, volunteering in a different part of town, or simply striking up a conversation with someone you wouldn’t normally talk to.
In your professional life, look for chances to work on cross-functional teams or collaborate with colleagues from different departments. These interactions can help you see things from new angles and challenge your preconceived notions about work and career paths.
Continuous learning and personal growth
Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning is another powerful way to challenge your preconceived notions. When you’re constantly seeking new knowledge and skills, you’re more likely to encounter ideas that challenge your existing beliefs.
Make a habit of reading books, articles, or listening to podcasts on topics outside your usual interests. Take online courses or attend workshops in areas where you feel less confident. The more you learn, the more you’ll realize how much there is to know, which naturally leads to questioning your assumptions.
By incorporating these practices into your life, you’ll be well on your way to recognizing and challenging your preconceived notions. Remember, this is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories as you work towards a more open and flexible mindset. The rewards—in terms of personal growth, improved relationships, and new opportunities—are well worth the effort.