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Let your instincts do the talking: snap decisions often more accurate
Posted on Jan 10th 2007 6:54AM by Bethany SandersFiled Under: Diet & Weight Loss
Do people tell you that you have "good instincts" or that your "gut feelings" often come true? It may be that you've learned to rely on those snap decisions, and it turns out that's a good thing. New research suggests that -- at least in some situations -- those quick decisions are often more accurate than the ones we spend time thinking about.
A book was published last year on this topic, and though I've yet to read it, I was interested in what it had to say. According to this new research, when you take time to mull something over, your conscious or higher level thinking skills kick in and automatically override your subconscious thought. This can make you feel unsure or distrustful of your own feelings.
The article points out that this is probably a function of flight-or-fight. When the brain registers something that seems out of sorts or doesn't belong, it sends off alarm bells. When there's not time to consider what to do, the best thing to do is to follow your instincts.
Obviously not every decision should be made quickly, so I don't want to see anyone run out and buy a car or house because their "gut" told them to! Use your instincts, but use them wisely.
A book was published last year on this topic, and though I've yet to read it, I was interested in what it had to say. According to this new research, when you take time to mull something over, your conscious or higher level thinking skills kick in and automatically override your subconscious thought. This can make you feel unsure or distrustful of your own feelings.
The article points out that this is probably a function of flight-or-fight. When the brain registers something that seems out of sorts or doesn't belong, it sends off alarm bells. When there's not time to consider what to do, the best thing to do is to follow your instincts.
Obviously not every decision should be made quickly, so I don't want to see anyone run out and buy a car or house because their "gut" told them to! Use your instincts, but use them wisely.
