We are frequently ruled by our emotions. However, the most successful people in the world are aware of the causes of their emotions and can use that knowledge to manage and regulate their responses. Here’s how you can do it as well.
Have you ever felt mistreated? Perhaps your boss gave you an unfair review, your best friend is always late for dinner, or a random stranger cuts you off in traffic. It’s not uncommon to experience anger, hurt, or annoyance in our daily lives — and many of us feel powerless to control those emotions.
But what if you knew you could do something about the emotions that wash over you? There is, and it all begins with understanding how our brains function.
Every one of our brains contains both a subconscious and conscious component. Our subconscious minds are incredible at assisting us in our daily lives. Our subconscious minds are thought to process information at a rate 500 times faster than our conscious minds. Our subconscious mind is at work when we instinctively stop at a red light or pull away from a hot stove.
Our subconscious mind primarily performs two functions. For starters, it executes old programs that we’ve taught it, automating much of our day. Second, it works to keep us safe and secure. While this is extremely beneficial, the subconscious mind has some drawbacks. It’s critical that we understand these distinctions in order to be successful in life, so let’s break it down.
Conscious vs. subconscious
Our subconscious mind can lead us to experience emotions that aren’t beneficial to us. It does not wish for us to be uncomfortable, suffer, or be hurt. When we are angry about something that is happening “to” us, our subconscious mind is encouraging us to play the victim. The subconscious readily aids us in blaming other people or outside factors for our problems or struggles because it’s simpler and frequently feels better to do so
Unfortunately, the more often we give in to our irrational urge to blame others for our problems and justify unpleasant feelings as being our fault, the more conditioned our subconscious is to do just that, which feeds the vicious cycle. The end result? We become unwilling to look deeply at the real issue, and we miss out on the chance to accept accountability and responsibility.
Second, because the subconscious mind is concerned with our safety, it does not always welcome change. When we fantasize about our future or consider making changes in our lives, our subconscious often tries to talk us out of them.
For instance; Is running a marathon really what you’d like to do? That appears to be extremely difficult. Going to the gym every day is probably sufficient exercise.” Or, “Going up for that promotion at work sounds fantastic, but the other candidates are likely to be more qualified. Why bother trying?”
How To Use Your Conscious Mind?
Because the subconscious mind dislikes being vulnerable, it is easy to fall into blame and inaction traps. These actions are expensive and risk undermining our potential for development, relationships, and dreams.
High achievers frequently use their conscious minds. Because our subconscious minds process information much faster than our conscious minds, highly successful people employ both parts of their brains. They regularly slow down, stop, and consult with their conscious minds. They regularly widen the gap between stimulus and response. They conduct a self-check. If you make this a regular practice, your subconscious mind (while powerful) will become vulnerable. It’s essential to assure that your conscious mind is in charge during life’s most critical moments.
People who regularly take some time to reflect before reacting to a situation or making a crucial decision do a few important things.
#1. Consider this: Am I really served by this response or action I’m about to take?
It’s extremely beneficial to keep long-term goals in mind if you have them. While your subconscious may sway you to act in a way that feels good now, your conscious mind acts as a voice of reason by reminding you of your long-term goals. You’ll frequently come up with a different response than when your subconscious acts alone if you take the time to consciously consider your “why” and have goals like losing weight or improving a relationship.
Even though a choice might not feel good at the moment, your conscious mind will frequently remind you that it will benefit your long-term success. With that knowledge, it is easier to make the right decision.
#2. Consider this question: What’s the real point here?
Stopping to ask yourself what’s really on your mind when you’re upset or angry will help you discover new information about yourself. You may say one thing, but upon reflection (and with the assistance of your conscious mind), you may realize it’s something entirely different. Many of us can probably recall a time when we snapped at a loved one over something and later realized it had nothing to do with that. We realize we were upset about something else entirely. Make certain.
#3. Remind yourself that you are capable of completing challenging tasks.
Simply because something is difficult, people frequently don’t try new things or take action. Achieving difficult tasks is within your reach. That’s all there is to it. The more you consciously remind your subconscious mind of this, the easier it will be to retrain it to accept hard work and challenge as a normal part of life.
#4. simply take action
The subconscious is prone to doing nothing or making no changes because it enjoys acting in predictable, routine ways. It can trick us into feeling afraid because it is trying to protect us and our safety. Fear prevents action, but action overcomes fear. Choose to identify one or two actions that will serve you in every situation.
You’ll make more deliberate decisions if you take the time to slow down and consult with your conscious mind. This will lead to a better life. Try it.