opportunity knocks 🚪

Back for a fresh scoop of cognitive chaos? We’re live from the lobby with this week’s episode of Sugar Cereal.

Today, we’re unpacking the Doorman Fallacy…AKA when your brain mistakes a backstage pass for a starring role.

Spoon’s up! 🥣

Ever felt proud just because you got cc’d on a big-deal email thread? Or felt like a hot shot in a fancy meeting even though you never said a word?

That’s just the Doorman Fallacy doing its thing. Psychologists found we have a habit of confusing being close to power or progress with actually making something happen.

In psych-speak, this is also called “symbolic participation.” Your brain gets a little dopamine boost from simply being included…even if you’re not really involved.

Unfortunately for our egos, just because we’re in the room doesn’t mean we have a legit seat at the table. 💺

We’re wired to equate visibility with value, but just being invited backstage doesn’t mean you’re part of the show. It’s like lurking in the group chat without actually joining the conversation.

When left unchecked, this illusion of progress by way of proximity can keep us from making a real impact.

When we mistakenly think access alone equals achievement, it might stop us from asking better questions, sharing bold ideas, or stretching out of our comfort zone.

Not ideal! 🆘

The Doorman Fallacy is a sneaky bugger, but you can stay one step ahead. Try these real world tricks:

🪑 Seat Check: Next time you're “in the room,” ask yourself: What decision am I influencing? If you’re not helping shape outcomes, it could be time to speak up (or scram).

🤸 Script Flip: When you get a star-studded meeting invite, flip the script and ask: What do you need from me to make this worthwhile? It positions you as a partner, not just a participant.

👀 Lurker Litmus Test: Check your Slack or email habits: are you lurking or leading? Add value by sharing a perspective, even if it’s a quick one.

Getting past the doorman doesn’t mean the deal is done. The game’s likely just getting started.

Next time your brain wants to celebrate just being invited, ask yourself: did I help shape the room or am I just standing in it? Show ‘em what you’ve got!

Like what you see? Don’t miss the next issue! 👇

Learn something new today? Sharing is caring! Forward Sugar Cereal to a sweet friend (or two). 💌

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