??Weekly Mind Sweep #137 | Manage Your Mind | Trust
Jamie Chapman
Business Consultant. Transforming entrepreneurial ideas to profit. Strategic Advisor | Collaborator | Panelist | Speaker | Leader | Brain Geek
August 2024
*Week 137: Manage Your Mind; Trust
Week 138: What’s On My Mind; Trust
New to the Weekly MindSweep? Past issues live here.
It's Brain Geek Week!
I've spent my week diving into the neuroscience of trust and returned from my quest to share what I have learned! Spoiler alert.
Trust is built into our DNA.
But don't run away too fast. Having your trust betrayed can short-circuit your neurobiology and send you into a tailspin of mistrust.
So what is an entrepreneur to do? ?
Keep reading; we've got some brain science to unpack. And you won't believe it, but last month's topic of bias peeks its way into our conversation!
Let’s sweep the brain…
?? Rather watch or listen instead of read? Now you can!
Ok, first, let's talk DNA.
"Genes play a key role in trust. Genetic factors account for approximately 33% of the variation in trust levels between individuals, highlighting the heritable nature of this crucial social trait. (as demonstrated by comparing identical and fraternal twins.)" [1]
Let me inject a bit more science about twins since they are near and dear to my personal experience:
But what if you aren't naturally trusting? How can you cultivate trust in your relationships?
Your DNA and infant experience are critical to your brain development; then mix in environmental factors such as "what happened to you," society, childhood experiences, and life experiences, and you can begin to understand just how unique everyone's experiences are and how they contribute to the person you are today. [2]
You're walking around with your unique brain soup!
Now, take your brain soup and make contact with another human and all their brain soup. In 30 milliseconds, which is less than 1/10 of a second, you decide how trustworthy an individual looks. [3]
Oh, hello, bias! We still remember you! [4]
To add another layer of complexity, there's also stuff happening on the outside of our brains, like where we are, what environment we're in, do we feel safe, and WOAH!! (Do you see why I'm so fascinated with the human brain?!)
So, what IS happening inside our brain?
Let's touch on 3 areas identified when trust is and isn't present.
When you interact with someone you trust, the activity in your ventral striatum and medial prefrontal cortex is increased, and the amygdala activity is decreased.
The ventral striatum is a key pathway in human reward processing and positive emotions, which explains why we can fall into trusting even outside of logic. [6]
When amygdala activity decreases, your brain is freed up for better things, like creativity, planning, and decision-making!
But wait, there is more!
Showing people you trust them raises oxytocin levels in their brains, which allows them to show more trust in you, which then increases your oxytocin levels. [6]
Everyone is in an oxytocin brain love soup!
When humans don't know much about each other and are meeting for the first time, the one little decision to proceed with vulnerability and trust can make a major impact on the relationship in the future.
Building trust takes time, but losing it can happen in an instant.
If our brain is wired for trust and social connection, what happens when we experience mistrust?
Once bitten, twice shy. [7]
(yes, there is a Great White link for you in Jamie's Second Brain Corner.)
When we experience a betrayal, our amygdala kicks into high gear, and we make fear-based decisions.
In this state, we create mental maps of mistrust, which becomes our "new normal," even if it's not reality. This causes lost opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. [8]
More importantly, it affects our ability to build healthy relationships. [9]
Over the last decade, science has shown us that our brains are capable of neuroplasticity! We're not stuck with these mental maps of our past experiences. Just because we have an instinct not to trust someone, we don't have to succumb to that instinct.
We are not hardwired.
You can practice the power of the pause and consider whether you are approaching new situations with too much of an amygdala-driven perspective.
You may overestimate the risk and underestimate the benefit.
In business, whether you offer services or products, success relies on collaboration. Trust is the foundation of these partnerships. Each interaction can strengthen the bond, leading to mutual growth and success.
Let's use our new understanding of trust, reflect on our experiences, and approach trust with intention.
My question for you this week is:
领英推荐
Can you recall a time when trust OR lack of trust impacted a business decision or personal relationship?
Reply and share with me!
The answers you need for your business are already within you. If you’d like support in finding them and building a business you are proud of, I’m here to help.
Let's connect.
Jamie’s Second Brain Corner
[3] ?Alexander Todorov
A 12-week Entrepreneurial community beginning Tuesday, September 10th.
What I’m reading and where to find me!
What I’m reading:
The Maid
A Novel by Nita Prose
Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others.
A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.
Mindful Connections:
Connecting like-hearted entrepreneurs to build relationships, offering support, understanding their passions, and sharing their names in rooms of opportunity.
Thursdays at Noon EST
Join us on Friday, September 6th, at the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce for this two-hour interactive business community experience. We'll discuss ways to cultivate business through Sales, Marketing, and Communication methods that support relationship building, showing up authentically, and connecting deeper with colleagues and the people you serve. 9-11 am - Open discussion, community support, brainstorming ideas Join us in meeting business owners in our community. You'll leave with new tools to help you make connections and build your business!
Oh, Hi! I’m Jamie Chapman
Self-proclaimed brain geek, relationship builder, and business consultant who helps heart-centered entrepreneurs and small businesses execute their big ideas.
I have always been a curious person who thrives on helping others succeed.
Finding solutions is what I do.
When my twin boys were diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school, I had to learn how to navigate a school system that wasn’t built for neurodiverse individuals. By helping my boys find ways to succeed in these spaces, I realized the importance of shining a light on the gifts we bring to the world.
In a society that tries to “fit a round peg into a square hole,” I am here to support entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to take a different path to success.
While supporting small businesses in various industries, I have a special place in my heart for neurodiverse entrepreneurs and ADHD business owners.
Relationships and a holistic, human view of your business needs is something I value.
I meet you where you’re at and support you in getting where you want to go.
With a multifaceted approach to problem-solving, and extensive knowledge of executive functioning, habit formation, and the neurodiverse and ADHD entrepreneur’s mind, I support small business owners to thrive and feel proud of what they’re building.
My background is in manufacturing and business operations. I use my decades of experience with developing systems and processes to make your business operations smoother and more efficient.
As a perspective integrator and big-picture thinker, I want to help you execute your vision, spot inefficiencies, and find effective ways to grow your business.
Think of me as your strategic C.O.O. and partner in business success and growth. ?
Whether it’s 1:1 Consulting, MindSweep Mapping, or joining our Chickbook Creative community of business owners, I support idea generators in cultivating clarity and taking action to pursue their best ideas.
My purpose is to illuminate the gifts business owners and entrepreneurs bring to the world. I can’t wait to meet you and get started.