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your career One of the problems we encounter is that there are at least three apparently distinct systems using very different methods of working using very different methods of working in order to offer their input. One system works predominantly with feelings and impressions, whilst the second system works predominantly with facts and ‘truths’. A third system works on previous experience and has fairly set behaviours to act with.
training your brain to make better decisions
When it comes to decision-making, neuroscience can offer a complex but sadly incomplete understanding of what is really going on in our heads. The picture is that several different systems and areas of the brain come into play and try to work together in order to reach a decision. Depending on how we perceive the importance of that decision, and the potential consequences of making it, will dictate which areas will have the most say in the decision-making process. One of the problems we encounter is that there are at least three apparently distinct systems
Let me offer an example with some possible outcomes. For practical reasons I will drastically simplify the process in order to demonstrate an aspect of the way in which we think. Let’s say that we receive some very startling news. The area known as the orbito-frontal cortex can perceive that something has happened and it alerts the rest of the brain. However, it can’t tell whether this news is good or bad and it can’t distinguish whether it is extremely important or just worth knowing. Therefore, if we were to act with this part of the brain we may get things out of perspective only to calm down later and realise we have over-reacted! An area in the centre of the brain called the anterior cingulate gyrus then picks up the message sent out. This area can help to distinguish between good news and not so good news. So it tempers the news and gains some perspective. Another area of the brain called the dorso-lateral cortex has come from a very different perspective and has selected out from the original message the relevant facts that have been presented and organised these. If this part of the brain were to work first then it is likely that we would remain calm and work rationally with the message.
Many other areas also contribute but the process followed and the decisions made will depend on a mixture of all input and which systems get the upper hand. From my perspective, which is working with people to try and optimise their quality of life, it would be helpful if they could learn to operate their mind by allowing whichever system they chose to get the decision-making power. The question is, ‘can this be done’? My experience has been a definite ‘yes’, however, there is a ‘but’! It is a choice to learn the skill of how to operate with your particular mind (as we are all unique) and how to maximise your potential. This takes time and effort and needs maintenance. You have to be serious. As it is a skill, some people learn faster than others but we can all learn and improve. I chose to introduce the ‘Chimp Model’ because I felt the need to offer a simplified explanation of the neuroscience of the mind that would be accessible to all. However, there are many other excellent models and self-development approaches available.
Do you owe it to yourself and others around you to make the effort to understand yourself better and get the quality of life you deserve? Professor Steve Peters, Consultant Psychiatrist and University Senior Clinical Lecturer www.chimpparadox.co.uk back to contents
Steve is keynote speaker at CRF’s 2014 Summer Lecture. Click here for more details.