Strategies to help “Majoring in the Minors”

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hey docs,

I know this will probably be long drawn, so I understand if you guys don’t have much time to respond so no rush! But I was hoping to get some insight from you guys.

I appreciate that you guys have this forum because it is easier to anonymously post this than Facebook because this issue is honestly really embarrassing for me, but I have always struggled internally with worrying about silly bs I hear online. For example worrying more about my vitamin D levels, wearing barefoot shoes for “foot health”, mewing, etc.

All these things make so much sense to me in the moment but later on when I ask one of you guys or learn more about it I think why the heck I even believed that for a second. I see that as growth, but my issue is i feel like my priorities in health are in the wrong lanes. I should instead focus on having a health promoting diet and a healthy sleep routine, but I find myself stuck on whatever some random person on social media is preaching.

I have my bachelors of science degree in exercise and sports science so I am college educated, so it makes me question if I’m even deserving of such degree if I get hung up on silly stuff like previously mentioned.

is this normal to have such internal conflict or to feel so easily swayed or gullible?

im doing my best to continue my study by reading new textbooks I purchased and practicing reading new scientific literature that you guys link and listen to your podcasts. Since going to grad school is not an option for me in this pandemic. But honestly seeing how much I think I’m terms of black and white and struggle to not accept a yes or no answer and rather explore the gray area hurts me.

have you guys dealt with clients or friends/family woth similar issues in believing silly stuff at the moment? It’s not like it’s physically hurt me or my health but I just beat myself up mentally over believing it.

I am making strides towards checking sources and starting to not think in such black and white terms. That’s why i love your “nuance” shirt because it always makes me remember to think about that and not believe things right away.

but if you guys have any ideas of resources to help this (eg behavior change or ways to get more versed in finding legitimate info, or if i should reach out to someone or something in particular) it would be appreciated.

I would have never thought that this would be such an issue and affect me mentally and make me question my intellect or lack there of, but it has. Thank you I’m advance for taking the time to read this docs and if you have any insight or advice it would be
appreciated :slight_smile:

-EC

2

As humans, we are all set up with numerous cognitive biases and are generally prone to being led astray by compelling narratives and emotions. Additionally, it is easier for us to fall for these sorts of things the further outside our area of expertise they are.

In other words, what you are experiencing is pretty normal. It’s great that you recognize it and are motivated to address it, but it can take a long process and a lot of active effort.

You’d probably benefit from self-directed learning about these cognitive biases and critical thinking. This could involve:
-an open-access course
-a book on the topic, such as The Irrational Ape by David Robert Grimes, and Calling Bullshit by Carl Bergstrom (although there are many others)
-something as informal as a podcast – e.g. You Are Not So Smart, or the Rationally Speaking podcast.

In addition to this, becoming as much of an expert in your specific area of interest as possible will help within your specific field. It’s impossible to become an expert in everything of course, which is why it’s important to find multiple trusted sources in other areas as well.

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