Final answer:
Reflecting on a past decision influenced by cognitive bias reveals the importance of critical reflection and metacognition. This self-awareness can change future decisions and identify steps to mitigate biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Narrating a decision from the past which I consider wrong requires self-reflection. A time when cognitive bias influenced my decision was when I chose a college major without thoroughly researching other options; I went with what was familiar rather than exploring potential interests. Looking back, the heuristic of 'sticking with what you know' impacted my choice without considering all possibilities.
With critical reflection and metacognition, I would have approached my college major decision by carefully evaluating my interests and job prospects, instead of hastily selecting based on familiarity. This could have led to a different career path with diverse opportunities.
In conclusion, this retrospective analysis has imparted lessons on the importance of self-awareness and informed decision-making. I understand now the significance of pausing to evaluate choices critically to circumvent cognitive biases. The steps I can take to avoid future biases include seeking diverse perspectives, thorough research, and allowing adequate time for decision-making.