Managing self

A neuroscience perspective

Human beings are irrational. We have heard this time and again. Let’s explore this aspect today!

A few physiological and psychological intricacies to understand before we conclude:

• Our human system by default is built for energy conservation. Our brains are energy guzzlers. All thinking activity takes energy. So by default our brains don’t want to think. Ironical but true. This makes it hard to develop a reflective mindset. It is hard for us to think deeply, introspect and tweak our actions based on reflection. No wonder we don’t sit and think deeply.

• Our brains have a hierarchical structure and we refer to it as TRIUNE. In the triune structure our limbic system has more power and authority over the cortex (executive thinking and decision making). No wonder we are consumed by instincts more than rationality and logic.

• We are social animals. We care about people around us. We want to fit in. We want to be a part of the tribe. Their opinion about us matters more than our own opinion about us. We de-prioritize self care over other’s opinions.

• Above all we are highly dynamic beings and we keep shifting based on our context. It is hard to stay static for a long time.

• We don’t like pain. We love pleasure. No wonder we run away from pain and on the other hand we chase pleasure.

These aspects makes it hard to manage oneself. No wonder we fall prey to irrationality and biases compared to being logical and rational. This makes it hard for us to manage ourself.

As a result, our inner compass is weak compared to the external forces. It takes so much strength to strengthen the inner compass. Once we do that everything falls in place.

To face truth we need a lot of strength. Get your strength by strengthening your inner compass. Use your veto power against your default human system. You can do it.

🥂 to inner compass!