The Power of the Subconscious Mind
Most people believe that they make decisions based on rational thought and logical analysis, but research in psychology suggests otherwise. A significant portion of our daily decisions is influenced by subconscious processes, mental activities that occur without our conscious awareness. These automatic processes shape everything from simple choices, such as what to eat for breakfast, to complex decisions like career moves or relationships. The subconscious mind plays a dominant role in guiding behavior, often without individuals realizing it.
One of the key findings in cognitive psychology is that the brain relies on heuristics, or mental shortcuts, to make decisions quickly and efficiently. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, explored this in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011). He describes two modes of thinking: System 1, which is fast, automatic, and subconscious, and System 2, which is slow, deliberate, and logical. Most daily decisions rely on System 1, which draws from past experiences, emotions, and ingrained patterns rather than logical reasoning. This can sometimes lead to biases, such as the availability heuristic, where people judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily they can recall similar instances. Most times, unknowingly.
Another example of subconscious influence is priming, a psychological phenomenon where exposure to one stimulus affects a person’s response to a subsequent stimulus. In a study by Bargh, Chen, and Burrows (1996), participants exposed to words related to old age (such as “wrinkle” and “Florida”) walked more slowly afterward, despite not realizing they had been influenced. This suggests that subtle cues in the environment can shape decisions and behaviors without conscious awareness.
Additionally, emotions (often processed at a subconscious level) heavily impact decision-making. Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio’s research on patients with damage to the emotional centers of the brain showed that they struggled to make even simple decisions, despite having intact logical reasoning. This suggests that emotions act as an internal guide, helping people weigh risks and rewards quickly. Hence the phrase “think with your brain and not your heart”.
While subconscious decision-making can be beneficial by saving cognitive energy, it also has drawbacks, such as reinforcing stereotypes and biases. Understanding the subconscious mind’s role allows individuals to become more aware of their choices, potentially leading to more intentional and rational decisions. Psychology continues to uncover how deeply the subconscious mind influences human behavior, highlighting the complexity of decision-making processes.
People, environments, music, shows/movies, and even food can have a major impact on your subconscious thinking affecting your ultimate decision making. This is why it is vital to change most of your habits and surroundings during a self-growth period, and why you often “lose” relationships and bonds that you have had for years. Outgrowing people may be hurtful, but is completely natural and necessary. Trying to hold on to something that no longer serves you can be the reason why you feel as though you can not seem to control your own life and outcomes. You are completely capable of the change you seek, you just ave to be willing to sacrifice some things that no longer mean you well or hinder your growth.
Support the author:
Tips are not necessary but greatly appreciated and help keep this blog going weekly. Thank you in advance and take care!
Zelle: Thyre127@gmail.com
Cashapp: $Thyre127
Yup, makes a lot of sense!
ReplyDeleteThey say it’s lonely at the top 💯
ReplyDelete