The Illusion of Control

The illusion of control is a psychological tendency to overestimate our ability to influence events, especially when outcomes are largely determined by chance or external factors. People often believe their actions or choices directly impact results, even when they don’t. This can lead to overconfidence and risky decisions, as individuals feel more in control than they actually are. Recognizing this tendency helps us make more realistic assessments of situations, avoid unnecessary stress, and make better-informed choices by understanding the true level of influence we have.