You're (probably) thinking about it wrong.
How learning to re-think will improve your life.
EFFIGIES — Bringing nerds together to reveal the hidden wisdom of comics for fuller, more productive lives!
What’s Inside:
What is algorithmic thinking?
Why If/Then thinking can be dangerous.
The power of re-thinking.
Why it’s okay and even good to say “I was wrong…”
As I’ve been working on the No Heroine: Second Chances Kickstarter campaign, I’ve been looking back at the campaign I ran for GRIEF back in 2017. The campaign was a success, raising more than 3x its goal. So, in theory, it would provide a strong blueprint for how to build the No Heroine campaign this time around, right?
I don’t think so.
In life, we accumulate these ideas and beliefs about what works and what’s right, and they act as miniature algorithms for how we operate. But just because something worked (like the GRIEF campaign), that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best way. And just because something seemed true or right in the past, that doesn’t mean it still is or ever was.
A few years ago, I found Adam Grant’s book Think Again, which discusses the importance of re-thinking. I cannot stress how important this book has become to how I approach my life and, in turn, am approaching the No Heroine: Second Chances Kickstarter, but I’m going to try...
Algorithmic thinking.
In the simplest and most benign terms, an algorithm is just a set of rules used to solve a specific problem or perform a task – and we use them all the time in life.
Here are just a few ways we think algorithmically in everyday life:
Cooking a Recipe (following step-by-step instructions)
Making a To-Do List (prioritizing tasks by importance or deadlines)
Laundry Sorting (sorting clothes by color and batching them into loads)
One common type of algorithmic thinking model is the If/Then statement. These kinds of algorithms simplify decisions by following clear rules: IF a condition is true, THEN take a specific action. For example:
If it’s raining, then take an umbrella.
If the traffic light turns red, then stop the car.
If I feel hungry, then eat a snack.
In these examples, If/Then statements make the decision-making process easy and efficient. But these are simple, predictable, and low-stakes situations. While this type of thinking can save time in predictable situations, relying too heavily on it risks missing important nuances, especially in complex scenarios.
Complexity problem.
"Algorithms" are a hot topic these days, especially social media algorithms, which prioritize emotionally charged content to keep users engaged. This can lead to negative outcomes like misinformation, echo chambers, and amplified extreme views. Algorithmic thinking in our own lives can have similar downsides.
For example, I could say, IF a digital tier worked for the GRIEF campaign, THEN it will work for No Heroine. But after seven years, audience preferences could have shifted. Assuming old strategies still apply could come at a cost.
Another common belief says that IF I work harder and longer, THEN I’ll be more productive and rewarded. I believed this for a long time, but evidence shows this leads to burnout and diminishing returns. The work often suffers and, in turn, is not rewarded. With this in mind, I’ve reevaluated how I approach my career.
One more that might strike close to home: IF the politician/person I like says it, THEN it must be true...
The problem with algorithmic thinking is that it oversimplifies complex aspects of life. While If/Then thinking works for routine decisions, applying it to more nuanced situations can limit personal growth and leave you with sets of rules that do not serve you. Recognizing when to break away from this mindset is essential for making better, more informed decisions.
The power of re-thinking.
In Think Again, Adam Grant emphasizes the importance of regularly questioning our beliefs and methods. We often hold onto familiar strategies, even when they no longer serve us or have even become dangerous. Instead, Grant encourages adopting re-thinking as an ongoing practice—staying flexible and open to change.
A powerful real-world example of re-thinking comes from Daryl Davis, a Black musician who has helped over 200 members of the Ku Klux Klan re-evaluate their beliefs through open dialogue. Davis doesn’t confront them with anger but patiently probes their views, offering a chance to re-examine their deeply ingrained prejudices. I love this story, in particular, because Davis’ approach demonstrates that even the most entrenched beliefs can shift when people are open to rethinking what they know.
Just about every line of Grant’s book is worth quoting, but one line has really stuck with me:
“We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard.”
Grant highlights how easy it is to fall into the trap of only seeking out ideas that confirm our existing beliefs (groupthink and echo chambers, which feel good), but this limits our growth. A key part of this approach is seeing mistakes and past behavior not as failures (which feel bad), but as opportunities to learn and grow.
Learning to say “I was wrong…”
To make re-thinking a part of your routine, Grant emphasizes the importance of regularly auditing your thinking. By consciously evaluating your beliefs, methods, and decisions, you can avoid the trap of autopilot thinking and embrace the power of admitting when you’re wrong. Here’s a simple framework to help you get started:
Embrace Being Wrong - Don’t fear mistakes—see them as opportunities to grow. Acknowledging when you’re wrong allows you to learn from your flawed beliefs and refine your approach. This is definitely the hardest part, but it also creates incredible opportunities for growth.
Treat Your Opinions as Hypotheses - View your ideas and strategies as hypotheses—temporary solutions that can and should evolve. Just because something worked or was true in the past, that doesn’t mean it’s the best way forward in the here-and-now. If your hypotheses aren’t changing, you’re not growing.
Seek Out Conflicting Information - Don’t settle for feedback that simply affirms what you already believe—your burden of proof should be high. Actively seek perspectives, information, and data that challenge your assumptions. This helps prevent groupthink and ensures you consider all angles.
Regularly Audit Your Thinking - Make it a habit to reflect on your decisions and methods. Ask yourself, “Is this still the best approach?” By doing regular check-ins, you’ll catch outdated habits and make room for new ideas.
By saying “I was wrong” and following this framework, you’ll not only improve your current projects but also foster a mindset of continuous growth. Auditing your thinking keeps you adaptable and always moving toward better results.
What long-held beliefs are doing you more harm than good? Which algorithms are you running that are preventing you from being the best version of yourself? What are you wrong about? These are the questions we need to be asking ourselves if we want to grow and evolve.
- Frank
I’m Frank Gogol, writer of comics such as Dead End Kids, No Heroine, Unborn, Power Rangers, and more. If this newsletter was interesting / helpful / entertaining…
You can also check out some back issues of the newsletter:
After credits scene.
As I’ve been mentioning over the past couple of months, the No Heroine: Second Chances Kickstarter campaign is coming down the pike (sooner than you might think). Being a big fan of building in semi-public (and a creator who wants more of a two-way interaction with readers), I’m looking for a few folks to take an early look at the campaign page to give some feedback. This is still a bit down the road, but if you’re interested, drop a comment on this post so I know who I can reach out to when the time comes.
great article frank and yes im keeping an eye on kickstarter, keep up the good work
cheers
A