Critical Thinking is Easy Until the Decision is Personal

I pride myself in being a strong critical thinker.  I follow the RED Model of Critical Thinking, and I am often my friends’ go-to-person for being the “voice of reason” when they are faced with a difficult decision.  Yet this weekend I nearly made the most obviously illogical decision of my adult life, and it occurred to me that Critical Thinking is easy until the decision is personal.

For me, the issue was weight loss and my wedding in roughly 90 days.  It doesn’t get more personal that that.  I was moments away from spending nearly $1000 on a “magic” weight loss plan that included a 500 calorie per day diet, injecting myself with hormones, and promised that I would lose 1-2 pounds per day.  Even as I type that last sentence I am laughing at how ridiculous it all sounds.  But in the moment, I was sold.  I am not pleased with my personal appearance, have not had success with traditional diet and exercise, and want to look amazing on one of the most important days of my life.  This decision was personal and emotional.

There were plenty of “red flag” moments during my meeting with the “nutritionist” that I ignored because the image of being a skinny bride was so overwhelming.  For instance, on this diet, you are not supposed to use any makeup, lotion, or deodorant.  I still can’t figure out why my makeup is making me fat, but apparently that is key to this diet!  Also, on Phase 3 of this diet, if you notice that you’ve gained a few pounds, you’re supposed to fast for 24 hours and then eat a 24 ounce steak.  Apparently that will make you lose 3-4 pounds instantly.  What?!?!

As I filled out 15 pages of paperwork to get started on this diet, I noticed the past paragraph on page 15 which said “No scientific evidence has proved the effectiveness of this diet.”  Wait, what?!?!  What was I thinking? That was the moment I shredded the documents and erased the “nutritionist’s” phone number from my phone.

My colleagues, friends, and family were all skeptical of this diet (if not appalled), and I was the only one who couldn’t see past the words “expect to lose 1-2 pounds per day.”  For me, this learning moment highlighted the need to check your assumptions and arguments with people who are not emotionally biased about the decision. They will help you see past the smoke and mirrors and return to the world of critical thinking!

(P.S. Thanks mom, Eric, Heather and Lizzie for helping me through this one.)

Editor’s Note: Breanne Harris is the Solutions Architect for Pearson TalentLens.  She works with customers to design selection and development plans that incorporate critical thinking assessments and training.  She has a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and has experience in recruiting, training, and HR consulting.  She is the chief blogger for Critical Thinkers and occasionally posts at ThinkWatson.  Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter for more of her thoughts.