What is the Ostrich Effect? If you want to know more about this psychological phenomenon, you've come to the right place! We humans regularly face problems and challenges. But some seem so big that we prefer to bury our heads in the sand to avoid them. True to the motto: What I can't see doesn't exist.
This is a behavior that is otherwise more familiar from children, when they cover their eyes and shout "Lalala, I can't hear you". However, as we have all had to painfully experience: problems grow and have more serious consequences if we don't deal with their solution.
In this article, I would therefore like to provide you with everything you need to know about the ostrich tactic. From the definition, to the connection to the sustainable lifestyleto the possibilities of specifically preventing the often reflexive self-deception. Let's go!
What is the Ostrich Effect?
Under the Ostrich tactics (also as Ostrich Effect or Ostrich policy known) is understood to be the attempt to solve problems by ignoring them and, as it were, ignoring the Head in the sand is stuck.
It is therefore a psychological phenomenonto hide a (usually uncomfortable) truth or a challenging, impending danger from ourselves.
Tip: A similar phenomenon from psychology is the cognitive dissonance. It describes an emotional state that is perceived as unpleasant and is the result of an inner conflict.
What does "sticking your head in the sand" have to do with sustainability?
Within a few months, our society could discard the behaviors that have been crucial to the Environmental problems of our time Contribute.
Theoretically, we could from now on stop jetting around the world. We could immediately switch to a green electricity tariff*ban single-use plastic products and stop eating and wearing animal body parts. All of this would have an extremely positive impact on protecting our planet - and not least our health.
Nevertheless, many people choose to continue destroying the only planet we have to live onbecause these changes seem too blatant and unrealizable and because they don't want to be restricted. They bury their heads in the sand and ignore the problems and the fact that their everyday behavior has something to do with the fact that they exist at all.
However, they not only ignore them, but even try to find counterargumentsto justify this momentous action.
"The pictures from the abattoir are not from here - we don't use humanely slaughtered„"The one straw makes no difference", "Rainforests are cut down for soy? Only vegans eat that!" or "You've flown before, haven't you?" are just two examples. Typical reactions to the obviously sensible proposal to live a little more sustainably and not at the expense of others.
The Cautious climate policy of our government can therefore be confidently described as an ostrich policy and the resigned or resigned denying behavior I'd describe the attitude of individual citizens towards a more sustainable lifestyle as an ostrich tactic. But we know that problems that are postponed become bigger and bigger over time...
What to do to prevent the ostrich tactic?
Ignoring does not make the problem go away - On the contrary: it grows! If you actually wanted to avoid unpleasant direct stress, it will come back in a more massive form in the future.
However, if you discover the ostrich tactic in yourself or other people, you can do something about it. Here are some simple but effective Measuresthat definitely help:
- Inform: Before you form too firm an opinion or rigidly insist on your shaky opinion, first find out more about the topic in question. New insights could bring about a change of opinion without having to bury your head in the sand. For example, read the book "Vegan nutrition for beginners" (is available here*) to get to know the theory and delicious recipes.
- Be brave: A lack of courage is one of the reasons why we hide from problems. Learn to become more self-confident and to aim for the best case rather than the worst case when faced with challenges.
- See advantages: We usually see having to change ourselves or our own attitude as an exhausting disadvantage. However, possible changes bring a lot of advantages that you should focus on. If you internalize the WHY, any change will be easier for you.
- Be insightful: Our pride is another reason for the ostrich tactic. Therefore, learn to be insightful and overcome your pride when appropriate. Insight is an extremely positive trait.
- Be open: Be open to change or new insights instead of closing yourself off or clinging to viewpoints that are no longer logical.
The motto is: don't bury your head in the sand and close your eyes, but rather approach the problem with head held high and eyes open on. See it as a challenge that needs to be successfully mastered. And not as a problem that you are cowardly avoiding.
Tip: Have you always reflexively waved off the word "vegan"? Then find out now, why i live vegan. There are ethical as well as ecological and health motives.
Ostrich tactics? You profit if you specifically avoid them
No matter what truth you try not to let it get to you: If you allows, accepts and adapts your attitudes and behaviorsyou can only benefit from it.
Be it through a Career leap, a happier relationship, a healthier diet or a fundamentally more sustainable lifestyle.
Finally, I would like to give you two further books on the topics of ignorance and ostrich tactics:
- Talking to ignoramuses: If you only argue, you lose by Peter Modler (is available here*)
- Get your head out of the sand! First aid for troubled times and career dead ends by Tom Diesbrock (is available here*)
I like to use them to delve even deeper into the subject.
"The purest form of madness is to leave everything as it is and hope that something will change."
Albert Einstein (more under Change quotes)
I hope that you have been able to learn something about the ostrich tactic from this article. Do you have any questions, suggestions or your own experiences with this psychological phenomenon? Then please write me a comment.
Keep an open mind,
PS: Showing insight instead of resorting to ostrich tactics means learning something. This serves your personal development - and improves your quality of life. In another article, I would now like to show you the Present books that changed my life significantly have. Have fun!
