How Accurate are Your First Impressions? Should They Count?

Getty Images — Georgeclerk

“The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.”
― J. Krishnamurti

Have you ever met someone and formed an opinion about them within seconds? Research shows that first impressions can be made in as little as 0.1 seconds!

These quick judgments significantly influence our lives — from job interviews to personal relationships and everyday encounters.

However, the key question remains:

• Should first impressions dictate how we feel about others?
• Should we form an opinion?
• Is it possible to keep neutral thoughts until the person reveals their personality?

Given that our biases and conditioning often influence our thoughts, it’s crucial to explore how we can challenge and change these initial assessments if necessary.

I’m going to take a dive into the psychology behind first impressions and offer practical tools for cultivating open-mindedness.

The Power of First Impressions

First impressions are a survival mechanism, enabling us to assess people and situations quickly.