In this episode of BrainWise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon dive into the second dynamic of the non-conscious brain: irrationality. They explore how irrational the non-conscious mind drives behavior and how it often leads us to act against our best interests. The discussion covers real-life examples, such as the ultimatum game, framing effects, social proof, and the power of language in shaping decisions. Phil and Cole provide actionable advice on recognizing and managing these irrational tendencies in both personal and professional contexts. Listeners are provided with reflection questions to better understand their own irrational behaviors and enhance their decision-making.

BrainWise Episode Summary & Tips of the Week:

1. Recognize the Power of Fairness: Our emotional response to perceived fairness or injustice can heavily influence decision-making. Awareness of this can help mitigate impulsive reactions.
2. The Influence of Language: Framing and metaphors can dramatically shape our decisions. Being mindful of language can promote more rational outcomes.
3. Embrace Emotional Intelligence: Responding instead of reacting fosters better decision-making. Emotional intelligence can help navigate irrational impulses.
4. The Anchoring Effect: Be aware of the first piece of information you receive; it often anchors and influences subsequent decisions. Recognizing this effect can lead to more balanced decisions.
5. Understanding Social Proof: We are heavily influenced by the actions and approvals of others. Acknowledging this can help you resist undue influence and make more independent decisions.
6. Consistency as a Cognitive Anchor: While consistency provides stability, it can also limit growth. Questioning whether consistency aligns with your current goals can promote development.
7. Value Emotional States: Positive emotional states can counteract biased and irrational decisions. Cultivating positivity can serve as a cognitive reset during decision-making processes.
8. Encourage Self-Reflection: Journaling and self-reflection can illuminate patterns of irrational behavior, paving the way for conscious decision-making.