[ThinkBetter](https://thinkbetter.app/) → [Cognitive Biases](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases.md) → Illusion of Control

# Illusion of Control

We tend to overestimate our ability to control events, even when we have little or no influence over them.

![Illusion of Control illustration](https://assets.thinkbetter.app/images/illusion_of_control.png)

The Illusion of Control is a cognitive bias where people believe they can influence outcomes that are actually determined by chance. Essentially, it's like thinking you can affect the roll of dice by shaking them in a certain way. We tend to overestimate our ability to control or influence events, especially in situations involving luck or random chance. This bias often leads people to believe they have more control over their environment than they actually do. Think of it like feeling you can influence the outcome of a lottery by choosing your "lucky" numbers!

## Example

**Gambling Behavior**

A poker player believes they can control the outcome of a hand through specific rituals or "skills," despite the cards being dealt randomly. Why? The illusion of control makes them feel they can influence chance-based outcomes.

## In your professional life

**Control Your Controllables**

Focus on aspects of your work you can directly influence. As a customer service rep, you may not control company policies, but you can impact customer satisfaction through excellent communication and problem-solving. Concentrate on providing exceptional service within your power, like proactively updating customers on orders or offering alternatives for out-of-stock items. This approach improves performance, reduces stress, and can lead to higher customer satisfaction scores, potentially setting you apart for advancement.

## Go deeper in ThinkBetter

The ThinkBetter app has the full Illusion of Control deep-dive: more examples, a quiz to test yourself, audio narration, and a weekly path that builds these ideas into a habit.

- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6459831884
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.ventureship.braintricks

### Related concepts

- [Dunning-Kruger Effect](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/dunning-kruger-effect.md)
- [Regression to the Mean (Mental model)](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models/regression-to-the-mean.md)
- [Gambler’s Fallacy](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/gamblers-fallacy.md)
- [All mental models](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models.md)

Page: https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/illusion-of-control