Making the Right Connections

One of the hallmarks of human intelligence is the ability to find relationships between abstract pieces of information. However, our brains are so quick at coming up with possible connections that we sometimes miss the legitimate, less obvious relationships. And while our brains are climbing into bed with what they think is a tasty bit of reason, the real connection is often still out singing karaoke.

Connections are alluring to us because they are usually the focal point of action, they create opportunity, and they offer explanations. Whether it is lovers or Legos, Craigslist or wine parings, social media or quantum theory—connections are where the action is at.

False connections, on the other hand, can end relationships, close businesses, and wreck havoc in every area of our lives; and our brains make these false associations all the time. For example, when we are cut-off while driving, consider how quickly we attribute the offending driver’s actions to his or her intelligence, character, or ability, rather than the possibility of something as simple as a blinding glare on his or her windshield, or a personal emergency in which we would have driven in exactly the same way had the roles been reversed.

Don’t take the backseat and let your brain go mustang with the first possible explanation that comes to mind. Keeping your eyes open for actual connections between cause and effect can help you to see possible conflicts before they hit, foster better cooperation, cultivate respect, boost creative solutions, and save your sanity.