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In the bustling city of Mumbai, India, a young woman named Priya prepared herself for a job interview at a prestigious marketing firm. She had spent countless hours perfecting her resume, honing her skills, and rehearsing her answers to potential interview questions. But as she stared at herself in the mirror, adjusting her outfit for the hundredth time, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that she was being judged on her appearance more than anything else.

As Priya stepped out of her apartment and into the crowded streets, the spotlight effect took hold. She felt as if every passerby was staring at her, scrutinising her clothes, her hair, and even the way she walked. Her heart raced, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead as she imagined the thoughts that must be running through their heads. Surely, they were all laughing at her or pitying her for her perceived inadequacies.

But Priya steeled herself and pushed forward, taking deep breaths to calm her nerves. As she rode the train to her interview, she glanced around and noticed that everyone seemed absorbed in their own world – some were reading, others were listening to music, and many were simply lost in thought. It dawned on her that maybe she wasn’t the centre of attention after all.

In that moment, Priya decided to take control of her thoughts and put the spotlight effect into perspective. She reminded herself that everyone has their own concerns and priorities, and that it was highly unlikely that they were all focused on her. This realisation helped to ease her anxiety and allowed her to walk into the interview with newfound confidence.

Priya’s story illustrates how the spotlight effect can significantly impact our daily lives, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety. By recognising this cognitive bias and understanding that others are not constantly scrutinising us, we can learn to feel more at ease in social situations and focus on what truly matters.

Applying this knowledge in our daily lives can be as simple as reminding ourselves that we are not the center of attention, and that others are likely preoccupied with their own thoughts and concerns. This can help reduce anxiety, improve self-confidence, and allow us to navigate social situations with greater ease