Focusing effect
Also known as Focusing illusion
The tendency to give too much weight to one feature of an event or choice when predicting how it will turn out or how happy it will make us. Everything else that matters fades from view.
In everyday life
People picture moving somewhere sunnier as life-changing, thinking about the weather and forgetting that their job, commute, and relationships will stay much the same.
You're sure that getting a dog will make you far happier, imagining the cuddles and giving no thought to early walks in the rain, vet bills, or chewed shoes.
Why your mind does this
Our senses and judgment work by comparison. Noticing differences from a starting point, or from what came just before, is faster and cheaper than measuring things in absolute terms, and changes are often what signal danger or opportunity.
Its family, in 30 seconds: Change
How to spot it
Ask yourself which single feature is driving your excitement or dread, and what else about daily life will stay the same.
How to counter it
List every part of an ordinary day that the decision will touch, and estimate how each one will change.