Think Like a Scientist for Self-Care

Humans are variable creatures. Due to our highly complex nervous systems, we exhibit a huge plethora of traits and ideas and differ significantly from person to person. But yet, as social creatures, we spend our lives drawing conclusions and making assumptions about others and ourselves. If we are so different, to what extent is this truly helpful?

Say that you encounter an advertisement for a new fad diet. In it, a person that you can identify with shares their incredible experience with it, explaining how it has decreased their fatigue, helped their sleep, allowed them to lose weight, and increased their concentration and productivity. A week later, you go shopping at the grocery store. How much does that advertisement affect your decision marking?

Most people are highly influenceable, even by people they don’t know or have any reason to believe. But the unfortunate fact is that the testimonial of a few people often doesn’t mean much, even if they are telling the truth. Any good scientist would tell you that a small sample size can never be a good indicator of actual results. For scientists to reach meaningful conclusions about the products, substances, therapies, or ideas that they are researching, it often takes the input of thousands of people. And, the people involved in the studies are chosen carefully so that they accurately represent the general population as much as possible.

Maintaining a scientific mindset when making decisions can be helpful for many things outside of diet and product selection. Sometimes, your mind is clear and your own conscience is the most accessible guide to the right answer. But many times, our choices are clouded by the choices of others. Everyone’s body, thought processes, and motivations are different, and what is right for some is often not right for others.

Cultivating scientific thinking means search for meaning when making decisions, instead of closely following the lead of others. Do you feel a connection with the person giving advice, and do you trust their intent? Is there data to back up the claim? Sometimes a bit of healthy skepticism is okay, especially in a world where the influencer marketing industry is valued at over twenty billion dollars.