The Einstellung effect: How your past success is holding you back
The Einstellung effect: How your past success is holding you back
Learn why the smartest people get stuck, and how what you know is getting in the way of who you can become
In my coaching practice, I've observed a fascinating yet often restrictive cognitive phenomenon in many clients: the Einstellung effect. This psychological concept illustrates how individuals can become anchored to familiar solutions, overlooking more innovative or efficient alternatives. It's deeply embedded in our cognitive processes, where the brain's tendency to follow established neural pathways can limit our problem-solving capabilities.
This effect, rooted in our neural and psychological makeup, emphasises the need for continuous learning and mental flexibility. You may have heard of concepts like neuroplasticity and growth mindset. This is similar but it isn’t about being able to learn and shift when something isn’t working. The Einstellung effect speaks more to how we limit ourselves by getting overly comfortable and reliant on what has worked for us in the past.
The concept traces back to Abraham Luchins' 1940s research, particularly his water jug experiments. Participants were given three jugs of different sizes and a goal to measure a specific amount of water. The jugs had fixed capacities. For example, one jug could hold 21 units of water, another 127 units, and the third 3 units. The participants had to figure out how to use these jugs to achieve the exact desired amount of water.
Initially, the problems Luchins set required a complicated method using all three jugs. After participants learned this method, he introduced simpler problems that could be solved with just two jugs. However, many participants continued using the complex method they had learned first, even when there was an easier solution.
These experiments revealed that once a person learns a particular method to solve a problem, they tend to reuse it, even when simpler methods are available. It's a clear example of how our brain's preference for familiar patterns can override our problem-solving efficiency.
In real-world scenarios, this might look like a software engineer relying on a familiar programming language they’ve used well despite the emergence of more efficient languages better suited for the task at hand. Or a workshop facilitator using a framework that worked in a past scenario, but insisted on making it fit into a new one despite added friction. Or a parent insisting to their kids that they know best because they’ve had the benefit of experience.
How to recognise if you're falling into the trap of the Einstellung effect?
"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."
- Eric Hoffer, ‘The True Believer’
Recognising the signs of the Einstellung effect in yourself can be challenging, as it often operates subconsciously. However, by being aware of certain indicators, you can identify and address this cognitive bias. Here are some detailed ways to spot if you’re falling into this trap:
Justifying 'tried and tested' methods: Often, we rationalise our reliance on past methods by their previous success, not considering that different contexts may require different approaches. This justification overlooks the dynamic nature of problem-solving where new situations might demand new strategies. A clear example is a marketer who continues to invest in traditional advertising channels because figuring out digital advertising is scary and hard.
Overlooking alternative perspectives: Our cognitive processing often inadvertently filters out information that doesn't align with our pre-existing beliefs or methods. This confirmation bias can cause us to dismiss innovative ideas prematurely, such as a business leader overlooking a junior team member's unconventional solution to a business challenge.
Stagnation in personal or professional growth: When we stick to familiar methods, we may find ourselves in a state of professional or personal plateau. This stagnation is often a consequence of the brain's reluctance to engage in the process of learning new skills or adapting to new environments because it requires a level of effort that would compromise its ability to survive. It’s true, our brain is evolutionarily conditioned to be lazy. Look up the cognitive miser theory.
Defensiveness to feedback: Sometimes, it requires an external viewpoint to identify our reliance on familiar patterns. Constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, or coaches can provide insights into our problem-solving habits that we might not recognise ourselves. However, when was the last time you asked someone to give you feedback on your mental models, heuristics or general approach at work or in a relationship? When was the last time anyone asked you? We tend to only ever ask for or get asked for feedback on specific ideas. So on the off-chance you get some feedback that makes you feel like your underlying approach is being scrutinised, and you feel a tinge of defensiveness, pay attention!
What happens when you overcome your Einstellung effect tendencies?
"Why waste time proving over and over how great you are when you could be getting better? […] Why look for friends or partners who will just shore up your self-esteem instead of ones who will also challenge you to grow? And why seek out the tried and true, instead of experiences that will stretch you?"
- Carol Dweck, ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success’
Overcoming the Einstellung effect can have profound personal benefits that translate into various aspects of your life.
Enhanced problem-solving skills: By breaking away from habitual thinking patterns, you engage different areas of the brain, fostering creativity and innovation. This can lead to more effective solutions.
Increased adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt is crucial. Overcoming the Einstellung effect enhances your mental flexibility, allowing you to respond more effectively to new challenges.
Greater efficiency and productivity: Being able to let go of old methods more comfortably can lead to the discovery of more streamlined and effective ways of working. For instance, an accountant who adopts automated accounting software can process transactions more quickly and accurately than with manual methods.
Renewed passion and enthusiasm: Exploring new approaches can reignite your passion for your work or hobbies. This is akin to an artist who, after years of painting in a particular style, experiments with and discovers a new, exciting medium of expression.
Personal growth and confidence: As you successfully navigate new challenges and methodologies, your self-confidence grows. This growth is akin to a teacher who, after initial reluctance, integrates interactive technology in the classroom and observes a positive impact on student engagement and learning outcomes.
How to become 'Einstellung-effect-proof'?
"In the beginner's mind, there is no thought, 'I have attained something.' All self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind. When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. Then we can really learn something."
- Shunryu Suzuki, ‘Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind’
Cultivating resistance to the Einstellung effect involves developing habits and mindsets that promote flexibility, innovation, and continuous learning:
Cultivate curiosity and openness: Actively seeking new experiences and knowledge helps in forming new neural pathways, which enhances cognitive flexibility. It’s easy to dive into research and learning when something isn’t working, but cultivating a default mode of curiosity and openness will help you respond to changing circumstances in life faster and with less friction.
Embrace lifelong learning: Continuously updating your skills and knowledge ensures that you remain adaptable and can effectively respond to new challenges. An example of this is a teacher who regularly attends professional development workshops to stay abreast of the latest educational technologies and teaching methodologies rather than resting on the laurels of receiving great feedback from students in the past.
Stay updated with trends and innovations: Keeping informed about the latest developments in your field encourages the brain to continuously process and integrate new information. A chef who experiments with emerging culinary trends, such as plant-based cooking, can stay relevant and innovative in a competitive industry. But more importantly, this practice will support your intention of becoming a generally more curious and open person.
Practice mindfulness and reflection: Mindfulness practices can help in recognising when we are relying too much on familiar patterns and encourage a more deliberate, thoughtful approach to problem-solving. A daily journaling routine can help a business leader reflect on their decision-making processes and identify areas where they might be falling prey to the Einstellung effect.
Experiment regularly: Make experimentation a regular part of your routine. This could be as simple as trying a new route to work, experimenting with a new recipe, or using a different software for a common task. The aim is to get comfortable with change and uncertainty.
Learn from people different to you: Look outside your industry and normal social circle for inspiration and learning. Often, innovative solutions come from applying ideas from one context and paradigm to another. If you know me moderately well you’ll know that I listen to a lot of podcasts, particularly of the conversational variety. Sometimes I’m not even listening for specific insights or ideas. Simply hanging out with - or even around - different kinds of people engaging in intelligent conversations opens my mind to new ways of thinking about things that I can often bring back to problems, ideas and situations in my own context.
Encourage feedback and collaboration: Seeking diverse opinions and collaborating with others can introduce new ways of thinking and problem-solving. As I alluded to earlier, don’t just seek feedback on particular ideas or approaches - find ways to objectively reflect on and get external feedback on how your brain works, how you’re showing up more generally in personal and professional interactions, and how certain behaviours and mannerisms might be being perceived by others. Speaking with a good friend, trusted colleague or a coach can be a good and fairly safe way to start diving into this practice.
By integrating these practices into your life, you gradually become more adaptable, innovative, and resilient, effectively making yourself 'Einstellung-effect-proof'. In other words, this is how you can start bringing broad-brush-stroke concepts like growth mindset, continuous improvement and neuroplasticity into your day-to-day life, and hopefully travel on the journey of continuous self-improvement and openness to the world’s ever-changing landscape with a little more enjoyment.