I’m into mind hacks; finding ways to solve problems in behavior or thinking that create a positive outcome instead of the negative outcome we have been experiencing. For example, when in a heated conversation, where emotions are running high, I learned about the power of asking oneself the following question “what do I really want – long term – to result from this interaction”, or simply, “what do I really want” ?
Because our brains are wired to answer questions – we can force our brains into the task of answering this question. This “mind hack” can break us out of a “fight of flight” brain mode that was about to take us down the road of saying or doing something that would make things worse. Instead, asking the question above engages the higher functions of the brain and we can steer our elephant.
The image or analogy of a small monkey riding on an elephant and controlling the direction and behavior of the elephant seems fit how we work mentally. The monkey is our consciousness, the “you” in the “now,” that we experience moment to moment that has ideas and chooses and can make choices. The monkey is small and light in comparison to the elephant. The elephant is the rest of the brain, the primitive (let’s say) behavior patterns and systems designed to ensure our survival (e.g., fight or flight responses, play circuits, spotlight effect) built into all of us, the preponderance of habits and memories that we have amassed over time. This elephant has a lot of power and inertia and mass that can be hard to control, and slow to change. The monkey can find itself on a wild ride on an out of control elephant is going to do it’s thing. However, that small monkey can control and manage, and train the elephant. With the right commands and understanding of the elephant the little monkey can get the elephant under control. This is how I see mind hacks.
Here is another mind hack I learned recently; let’s say you are about to do something difficult, begin a race, give a presentation, interview for a job. Instead of trying to pump yourself up, ask yourself. “why an I ready for this?” Again, asking the question will cause our elephant to begin recalling the experiences and knowledge and qualities that have indeed prepared us for the situation we are about to engage in. This is real assurance and grounded knowledge in ourselves that is better than hollow “you can do it” hype.
We all have our elephant and it is not going to change quickly, and we can’t get rid of it, we must ride it, we must accept and love it. Our experiences, nature, abilities, and habits are all very real and big. But, we also all have a little monkey that can learn some tricks and skills to manage, understand (and love), and train that elephant. Focus on skilling up that monkey to manage the elephant.
Ben Wagner (227)
Member The365Commitment
