Solomon’s Paradox

Often, we can objectively analyze a problem someone else is experiencing, yet fail to apply this same rationality to ourselves even if we’re experiencing the same problem. This phenomenon is known as Solomon’s Paradox, named after the biblical King Solomon who, despite being renowned for his wisdom and judgment, ironically failed to apply this wisdom to his own life which ultimately to his kingdom’s downfall.

One way to counteract Solomon’s Paradox is to evaluate your problems with a third-person perspective.

In a 2014 study at The University of Michigan, participants who adopted a third-person perspective were able to evaluate their problems more wisely and clearly.

The guidance they were given was simple yet powerful:

Instead of asking, “Why am I feeling this way?”, participants were guided to ask, “Why is she feeling this way?” Similarly, instead of pondering, “What are my thoughts and feelings?”, they were prompted to consider, “What are her thoughts and feelings?”

Stepping outside ourselves and adopting a third-person viewpoint is a great way to become a significantly better advisor to ourselves.