Why we overlook the most important things so often and how to fix it

What are the reasons for our carelessness

We tend to think that we see, hear and understand everything. However, our ability to perceive is very limited. For example, sometimes people can spend hours looking for an object that lies right in front of their eyes, and drivers often do not notice motorcyclists. Scientists have been researching the reasons for such inattention for a long time, and this is what they say.

We are missing out on details that seem insignificant

The brain tries to filter out information that it considers unimportant. This is necessary so as not to waste resources. Therefore, we often do not notice details that we do not expect or that seem irrelevant to us. Such information simply does not go beyond the organs of perception.

So, in 2007, doctors from France conducted an experiment. In it, radiologists were asked to look at an X-ray of a person with lung cancer. The experts were asked if the patient had pneumonia. The doctors answered that there was no pneumonia. This was absolutely true, but they did not notice any obvious signs of cancer in the picture. Simply because they were not asked about it.

Due to the selectivity of our consciousness, it is possible to miss the really important information.

We cannot see the rapid change

Our brain does not always have time to record instant changes. It is especially difficult to react in cases when we for a short time stop monitoring the situation or something distracts us. For example, if we start to yawn or notice dirt spots on the windshield of a car. There is even a special term to describe such situations - "blindness to change."

At first glance, short losses of concentration distract us greatly. For example, American psychologists have proven that change blindness is one of the causes of car accidents. Because of it, drivers simply do not have time to react to situations on the road.

Inattention to the important: if you cannot understand what has changed in the photo, pay attention to the road markings

We don't see gradual changes either

This is because our ideas about the world around us are constantly being rewritten. And if the change is smooth, the brain takes each update of the picture as insignificant and does not pay attention to it. As a result, it seems to us that everything is still the same, although it is not. This is why, for example, parents do not notice how their children are growing up.

The video demonstrates the phenomenon well: gradually the color palette of the picture changes, but during normal playback it escapes attention.

We focus on one thing

Another reason why we can overlook the obvious is "inattention blindness." When we focus on a particular task, we devote our entire attention to it. As a result, we may not see everything else that is happening right before our eyes.

The experiment shown in the video below is most often cited as an example. The voiceover suggests counting how many times young people pass the ball to each other.

First time viewers are so focused on tracking the passes that they may not notice a man in a gorilla suit walking into the center of the frame.

What can be done about it

It is impossible to completely get rid of the limitations of perception, but it is possible to minimize the negative effects. The following tips will help:

Remember, your perception is limited. Do not rely too much on your experience, attention and reaction, because they can easily let you down. Consider this in your daily activities. For example, even if you are an experienced driver and feel quite comfortable behind the wheel, this is not a reason to relax and be distracted from the road.
Try to train your memory and attention. For this, experts recommend 1.

2.get new experience and develop. For example, reading, doing creative work, self-education or sports, playing chess, solving puzzles, and meditating.
Try to avoid additional irritants while performing complex actions. For example, if you are preparing for an important event and are afraid to forget something, ask loved ones not to interfere with you.