Getting the little things wrong in a big way

Introduction

In our quest to navigate the complexities of daily life, it becomes evident that some of the most basic tasks can unexpectedly challenge us, prompting a basic question that touches the very core of our human experience: Why do we find difficulty in doing the things that should, by all accounts, be easy?

I examine this question through an intersection of cognitive science, evolutionary psychology, and sociocultural dynamics to uncover the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon.

Here are four dimensions that I could read up and comprehend.

Cognitive Overload Theory (CLT)

The Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), introduced by John Sweller in the late 1980s propounds that our working memory has a limited capacity, which significantly influences our ability to process new information and perform tasks. The theory delineates three types of cognitive load: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. Intrinsic load pertains to the complexity inherent in the material, extraneous load to the manner in which information is presented, and germane load to the effort involved in creating a permanent store of knowledge. When the sum of these loads exceeds our cognitive capacity, our performance on tasks, even basic ones, can deteriorate.

The role of Executive Function

Executive function, a set of cognitive processes including memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, plays a critical role in our ability to perform basic tasks. These processes allow us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. Research by Adele Diamond highlights that deficits in executive function can significantly impair an individual's capacity to manage even simple, everyday tasks. This can be particularly evident in situations requiring multitasking or the management of unexpected challenges.

Evolutionary perspectives

From an evolutionary standpoint, our brains have developed to excel in complex problem-solving and social interaction rather than the rote execution of simple tasks. This perspective is supported by research from evolutionary psychologists such as John Tooby and Leda Cosmides , who argue that our cognitive architecture, have been conditioned, over the ages to navigating complex social networks and solving novel problems for survival. Owing to this 'wiring' of our thought process, basic tasks seem monotonous or less engaging as they don't stimulate the brain in the way that solving more complex problems does.

The impact of Technology

The pervasive influence of technology, particularly digital devices, has had profound implications for our ability to perform basic tasks. Nicholas Carr, in his thought provoking book "The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains," discusses how the internet, by design, encourages rapid, superficial processing of information at the expense of deep, concentrated thought. This phenomenon, often referred to as "digital distraction," has drastically impacted our capacity for sustained attention, making it increasingly challenging to complete even simple, linear tasks without frequent lapses in focus.

Sociocultural factors

Sociocultural theories, like those proposed by psychologist Lev Vygotsky, emphasizes the influence of social interaction and culture on cognitive development. According to Vygotsky him, our ability to perform tasks is significantly shaped by the cultural tools and symbols, including language, that we have internalized through social interaction. In modern, fast-paced societies, where multitasking and constant productivity are highly valued, individuals may find themselves ill-equipped to manage basic tasks efficiently. This is exacerbated by the constant bombardment of information and stimuli, which leads to a phenomenon known as "decision fatigue," reducing our capacity to make good decisions or focus on tasks.

Conclusion

Decision making is an integral part of our daily lives and that involves actions that are repetitive that seemingly should happen with little effort.

That is clearly not the case.

And as much as this is a challenge we face, it happens with others too.

In a world where empathy and understanding is valued as a powerful weapon for individual and societal betterment, a little bit of understanding on why we (and others struggle) with performing repetitive tasks can go a long way in both not beating ourselves up and adapting better to our environment.

So the next time you come home, you would get a decent cup of coffee, but it would take time, because I would be all worked up and spend more than a little bit of time cleaning up the mess before I serve you what I have concocted.

Hope you are patient enough because I do seem to have a cognitive overload when I brew coffee.

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I am Sri Ram.

I read, I write, I watch movies.

I do all of this happily.

But I am happiest when I walk my dog and by the way she looks at me, I am sure so is she.

(How I earn my bread and butter is in my LinkedIn profile)

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