The Psychology of First Impressions: How Initial Information Shapes Our Reality

The Mike Muldoon Podcast: Bite-Sized Coaching Sessions Empowering Transformation in Small Doses

Anchoring bias might be the hidden force keeping you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. This week, I dive deep into this fascinating psychological concept that shapes how we make decisions, form relationships, and even view ourselves.
Drawing from my current struggles as a new bagel shop owner facing a slow month, I explore how our minds become fixated on first impressions and initial information. When business was booming in those first weeks, that became my reference point—my anchor—making normal seasonal slowdowns feel like failures. Sound familiar? This same phenomenon affects everything from how we shop (those "original prices" that make discounts seem amazing) to how we negotiate salaries and even how we view our own capabilities.
Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman demonstrated this bias brilliantly: people exposed to completely random high numbers subsequently gave higher estimates when asked unrelated questions. Our brains crave reference points, even absurd ones. I share a personal story about being told I "couldn't draw" by a teacher years ago, and how that single comment became an automatic response whenever anyone asked about my artistic abilities—a perfect example of how these anchors subtly program our self-perception.
The good news? Once you recognize these mental anchors, you can loosen their grip. I offer practical strategies for identifying limiting anchors in your life and replacing them with empowering alternatives. Whether you're running a business, building confidence, or trying to break free from old patterns, understanding anchoring bias gives you a powerful tool for reclaiming control of your decisions and perceptions.
What anchors are holding you back? Are they serving you or limiting you? Listen, reflect, and discover how to set new reference points that propel you forward rather than keep you stuck. Subscribe, share your thoughts, and join me on this journey of continuous growth and self-discovery.

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บท

1. Bagel Shop Struggles (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Anchoring Bias (00:00:55)

3. Everyday Examples of Anchoring (00:03:22)

4. Breaking Free From Limiting Anchors (00:05:27)

5. Final Thoughts and Episode Closing (00:10:17)