As humans, we often make decisions that are driven by our primal brain, which is 200 times faster than our rational brain. While this may have been helpful in our early days as hunter-gatherers, it can lead to poor decision making in our modern world. Luckily, there are ways to engage our rational brain and make better decisions. Here are five tricks you can use:
- Take a step back and breathe. When faced with a decision, it’s important to take a moment to clear your mind and slow down. This will help you engage your rational brain and avoid impulsive decisions driven by your primal brain.
- Write it down. Writing down the pros and cons of a decision can help you weigh the options and engage your rational brain. It also allows you to take a step back and objectively analyze the situation. Writing also engages the rational brain and needs you to slow down the thinking process.
- Seek out diverse perspectives. Talking to others and seeking out diverse perspectives can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of a situation. This can help you engage your rational brain and avoid making decisions based on biases or limited information.
- Consider the long-term consequences. Our primal brain tends to focus on immediate gratification, but it’s important to consider the long-term consequences of a decision. This can help you engage your rational brain and make decisions that are in line with your goals and values.
- Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. This can help you engage your rational brain and make decisions that are in line with your values and long-term goals.
By incorporating these tricks into your decision-making process, you can engage your rational brain and make better decisions. Remember, while our primal brain may be faster, it’s our rational brain that can help us make decisions that are in line with our goals and values.