How can I counter Status Quo Bias?

Schedule regular reviews of your major choices (annually or quarterly). Ask: "Would I actively choose this if I were starting over?" List the costs of staying the same alongside the costs of change. Try small, reversible changes to reduce the fear of switching.

0day streak

Supported

Core Thinking

Status Quo Bias

Social-cognitive bias

Definition

The preference for the current state of affairs, where changes are perceived as a loss even when they could lead to improvement.

Why it happens

Change involves uncertainty and effort. Our brains prefer predictability, and losses from change feel larger than equivalent gains.

Real-life examples

Sticking with a default phone plan even when better options exist.
Staying at a job you dislike because switching feels risky.
Keeping the same investment portfolio for years without reviewing it.

How to counter it

Schedule regular reviews of your major choices (annually or quarterly).
Ask: "Would I actively choose this if I were starting over?"
List the costs of staying the same alongside the costs of change.
Try small, reversible changes to reduce the fear of switching.

Quick tips

Periodically review your defaults — subscriptions, routines, beliefs.
Ask: 'Would I choose this if I were starting from scratch?'
Treat inaction as a decision, not a non-decision.
Set calendar reminders to review major life choices annually.

Sources and further reading

Status Quo Bias in Decision Making
Springer