BiasReasoning & flexibility · Logical Fallacy · Entry 68
Plan Continuation Bias – when you stick to the plan even when the situation has changed
Have you ever stuck to a route even after realizing there’s a shorter path? That’s Plan Continuation Bias – the tendency to stick to an initial plan, even when the situation has changed and it no longer makes sense.
Where it can show up
- Aviation – pilots continue landing in poor conditions when aborting would be safer.
- Projects – a team sticks to an outdated strategy despite new evidence showing it won’t work.
- Personal life – someone stays in an unfulfilling career or relationship just because they’ve ‘invested too much.’
A practical countermeasure
- Stay flexible – be willing to reassess plans as new information arises.
- Evaluate relevance – just because a plan was good at the start doesn’t mean it’s still the best option.
- Don’t be afraid to change course – admitting a mistake and adapting is always better than stubbornly heading into failure.
