Tips for Taming Your Inner Terrorist
Extreme change often creates fear and this awakens your inner terrorist. According to the Triune or 3 Brains theory conceived by neuroscientist, Paul MacLean, we all have 3 brains – Reptilian, Monkey, Rational Human and they control our thinking and actions at different times, and this is really noticeable when you are dealing with fear.
The first brain is the reptile or primitive brain which is responsible for bodily functions and keeping us safe. The health of this brain determines our ability to detect and respond to immediate threats. This brain helps us identify familiar and unfamiliar things. You may have heard of the “freeze or flight” phenomenon. This happens when the reptile brain senses fear, including a fear of the unknown. Familiar things are viewed as safe while unfamiliar things are viewed as unsafe, invoking a fear response. The reptile brain can trick you into believing you are in danger when there is no real threat. I experienced this when I went through scuba diving certification. Although my rational brain was telling me that I knew what to do, my lizard brain was telling me that I was going to drown.
Our second brain is the monkey brain, and it triggers emotions and tries to distract the fearful mind. Your monkey brain is at work when you overreact emotionally to a situation – for example, exploding in anger when under stress. The monkey brain will also find ways to distract the human so you can avoid what you fear. In today’s environment, this may take the form of social media, binging on Netflix, alcohol, drugs, overeating, etc. The monkey brain will do whatever it takes to keep you distracted you don’t have to face reality. The monkey brain becomes your inner terrorist.
When you are strong enough to tame the monkey brain, your third brain activates and that’s the thinking or human brain. This is the area of your brain responsible for conscious activity such as memory, abstract thought, language, creativity, etc. It is where executive function happens. The rational or human brain takes control of your inner terrorist so you can think rationally and make sound decisions.
How do you tame your inner terrorist?
1) Let your rational brain take control – in other words, control your tendency to react or act out of habit. Instead, focus on your goals and make choices that align with them. Avoid focusing on instant gratification. Goodbye, monkey brain!
2) Address your underlying fears – change your beliefs about what you fear and seek to address the root causes. Understand why the fear is there and what is causing it. Is it false evidence appearing real? If so, show yourself some evidence that your beliefs are not true and that your what-ifs are unlikely.
3) Reframe your beliefs - If you have had negative experiences with change, overcome it by embracing change more often. When you see the positive impact change has had on you, you will start to view it more positively.
4) Connect change to your purpose - If you understand the rationale for change then you can make decisions that align with this purpose which will diminish some of your fears. In other words, reflect on how this change can be helpful as you pursue your goals. What are the positive things that could come out of it? For example, learning new skills.
5) Engage with other people – other people can often help with information, ideas and provide moral support. Don’t try to go it alone.
6) Have hopes for the best but prepare for the worst – This does not mean that you go into “what-if” mode. “What-if” mode will typically give you an exaggerated view of everything that could go wrong. And most of these things will NEVER happen. Instead, think realistically about some challenges that you might face and what you might do if these occur. While you can't control outcomes, you can have plans. If something fails, you can reduce the negative consequences because you were prepared. Also, a positive attitude can help create better outcomes.
7) Focus on the present state - While you can learn from the past, you need to focus on where you are today. Use the information you have, to make decisions based on your current situation. Living in the future is unknown and creates anxiety. Focusing on the NOW opens the door to new opportunities.