A self-deception worksheet tests a favored explanation against evidence and a fair alternative. Decide in advance what result could make you change your interpretation, so the exercise is not a way to defend it more elegantly.
Work through these questions: The market is indifferent
Completed fictional example — SAMPLE DATA
This example shows how to fill in the form. It is not a real person’s record, a diagnosis, a validated assessment or a promised outcome. Use your own observations and appropriate professional advice for actual health concerns.
| Question or field | Your entry |
|---|---|
| Favored explanation? | The outline needs another layout before review |
| Supporting observation? | I have changed the heading twice |
| Alternative explanation? | I may be avoiding missing factual information |
| Disconfirming evidence? | The coordinator requests only a readable rough outline |
| Feasible test? | Ask what information is actually needed for review |
Blank worksheet — copy or print
Copy the form into your own private document or print this page. Replace each “Your entry” cell with your own note; leave anything uncertain clearly marked as unknown. This page does not save or submit your entries.
| Question or field | Your entry |
|---|---|
| Favored explanation? | Your entry |
| Supporting observation? | Your entry |
| Alternative explanation? | Your entry |
| Disconfirming evidence? | Your entry |
| Feasible test? | Your entry |
Completed example
| Question or field | Fictional completed example |
|---|---|
| Favored explanation? | The market is indifferent |
| Supporting observation? | No replies |
| Alternative explanation? | Old addresses |
| Disconfirming evidence? | Replies from current contacts |
| Feasible test? | Verify and contact one current address |
A worked situation: The market is indifferent
Fictional example. A reader says nobody answers her proposals, but three messages were sent to old addresses. Testing current addresses is more informative than declaring the entire market indifferent.