In Episode 2 of 'BrainWise: Our Lives, Decoded,' hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon delve into biases, habits, and patterns—one of the five dynamics of the non-conscious brain. The discussion ranges from personal anecdotes about kitchen remodels and holiday celebrations to deeper insights into how biases form and affect decision-making. They introduce the concept of 'BrainWise' and 'BrainUnwise' moments, recommending practical strategies like journaling, deep breathing, and the buddy system to help listeners become more self-aware. Focusing on bias, they explore social, cognitive, and neurodiversity biases, explaining how these can manifest in the workplace and everyday life. The episode also covers the formation of habits and how stress can trigger them, as well as how to change old habits using an ‘if-then’ strategy. Lastly, they discuss long-term patterns and how awareness of these can lead to positive life changes. To wrap up, they leave listeners with reflective questions to help decode their own lives and improve their decision-making processes.

Key BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways

1. Acknowledge the Presence of Biases: Everyone has biases; acknowledging them is the first step toward managing their influence. Tools like the Implicit Association Test can help uncover unconscious biases.
2. Use Deep Breathing to Reset: Taking two minutes for deep breathing can prepare your brain to handle stress more effectively. Doing this regularly can even increase your threshold for dealing with stress over time.
3. Reflect on Behavioral Patterns: Regular reflection can help you identify patterns in behavior. Journaling can be a powerful tool to track and analyze these patterns, helping you understand their origins and impacts.
4. Develop Instant Habits: To change a habit, create an "if-then" statement that introduces a new action and associate it with a positive outcome. Repetition and awareness are key.
5. Understand Cognitive Bias Types: Biases such as confirmation bias, which makes us favor information that aligns with our existing beliefs, can drastically shape our decision-making processes.
6. Positive Emotional State as a Disruptor: Being in a positive emotional state helps reduce bias-driven decisions. Positivity serves as a cognitive equalizer, promoting clearer thinking.
7. Patterns Over Time: Identifying long-term patterns can help you understand recurring behaviors and make adjustments to foster more positive outcomes.
8. Stress and the Brain's Braking System: When stressed, the brain's prefrontal cortex, which acts as a brake on impulsive behavior, can become less effective, allowing old habits and biases to resurface.
9. Create Connections Through Awareness: Becoming aware of your biases and habits can enhance your relationships by fostering deeper understanding and connection.
10. Extend Awareness to Action: Use the knowledge of biases, habits, and patterns to take actionable steps towards personal growth and improved interactions with others.