Why we don't keep our word?

Why don't we do what we say?

We’ve all been there, someone says: 'I'll call you later', but you’ll never hear from that person again. After a promising date, your date says: 'I’ll WhatsApp you', only to find out that they blocked you.

Maybe you promised your kids something to get rid of the nagging, and you keep putting it off.

Very recognizable and very human.

Your brain is programmed to protect you, so whenever possible it will avoid confrontation. The natural way out is to flee or fight, but we have become too civilized to fight. Flee, on the other hand, is something we often turn to.

Why?

We no longer live in the jungle where every rustle of a leaf could mean a life-threatening situation. To flee is almost no longer necessary, unless in the event of a natural disaster or something similar.

And yet, we do it all the time.

You can leave it at that and say that it is simply your reptilian brain, but that is also fleeing and:

• No one likes people who don't keep their word.
• No one likes people who don't keep their promises.
• Nobody likes to be kept in waiting.
• Nobody likes excuses.

So…

What can you do to control your own thoughts? Compare it to driving a car. Don't let your reptilian brain sit behind the wheel but take the driver’s seat yourself and move your reptilian brain to the passenger seat. That way you will take your life back into your own hands.

Because…

Do you really want your reptilian brain to rule your life or would you rather have this instead?

• More time for your family and friends.
• Less frustration.
• Less stress.
• More freedom.
• More Respect.

Start by giving people straight answers.

Start answering yes or no because let's face it, ‘I have to think about it’, is only because you are scared to say no. Rarely do you really need to think about it again, deep down you know what's right.

You are just procrastinating.

I'm not saying you should neglect your reptilian brain, it still is very important, but it should not guide you.

How?

It's simpler than you think.

Instead of dwelling in your head, let your senses work, and become aware of your sensations. That way, you automatically switch to that part of your brain where your creativity, empathy, sense of discovery, and cold-blooded action reside, i.e., you leave your reptilian brain and start looking at things in a different way that allows better and faster solutions.

I know what you are thinking. This is too simple to be true, right?

But it is true and simple things work. We tend to make it too complicated.

You will not master it overnight, but after a few weeks you will already feel much more relaxed, and your stress will decrease until it is non-existent. It doesn’t mean your situation will change, but you will become aware that you are the cause of all your stress by wanting to control things instead of reacting. You have zero control in life. At each moment something can happen to you. You do however control 100% of how you react to things.

What I am saying here is nothing new.

We've known this for a long time, and you probably knew it too, but why don't you do something about it?

You now know the answer. (your reptile brain won't allow you to)

Isn't it about time to break that cycle?

Isn’t it about time to invest in yourself?