We resist change because our brains are wired that way. Emotional messages in the form of nerve impulses received from various parts of the body through nerves are connected to ‘Limbic center' of the brain. They have to pass through the Limbic Center to reach the Pre-frontal cortex, where rational decision making happens.
As per the National Institute of Health,
"The limbic system consists of the phylogenetically old limbic lobe and other subcortical structures and their connections. Although not empirically proven, the limbic system is a functional concept which may be employed to explain various brain functions."
Most neurologists agree with the functioning of the limbic system. A dysfunctional limbic system is associated with many clinical manifestations, such as epilepsy, limbic encephalitis, dementia, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and autism.
(Phylogenetically means in a way that relates to the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms.)
Limbic Center is the emotional center which facilitates emotional experiences. It's because of Limbic Center you experience emotions.
Here's the diagram projecting the important parts of the brain including the limbic center.
Limbic Center is responsible for reflex action. When you touch something that's very hot, immediately without knowing you take back your hands. This is process is called 'Reflex Action.'
One of the most important characteristics of Limbic Center is-
Limbic Center is responsible for the panic attacks, seizures as an immediate response to stress. It could be in the form of stomach aches, headaches, ulcers, inflammations, etc. This is basically a subconscious response to stress, trauma or any external or internal shocks etc. It's the way our brain protects our body from extreme emotional pains without sabotaging our body system.
So, whenever you want to bring in change, Limbic Center prevents you from taking actions or execute change. Your brain by nature, interprets change as a painful experience or discomfort.
Ex.- You want to reduce body fat by going for early morning jog. So, in morning when you want to get up. You can't your mind starts to give excuses to not to wake up and go for a jog.
Limbic center is responsible for this! Literally your brain is tricking you not to take action that's uncomfortable, hard or painful etc.
So how do you stop this behavior?
You need to develop habits to counter your subconscious resistance. In the book Atomic Habits James Clear says: It's the Atomic (Tiny) Habits that you develop on day-to-day basis makes a huge difference in your life. James Clear says that:
1. An atomic habit is a regular practice or routine that is not only small and easy to do but is also the source of incredible power; a component of the system of compound growth. 2. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. 3. Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you’re willing to stick with them for years.
You need to be patient, persistent & most importantly, you need to adaptable! You are brought to life on the basis of these principles - PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE & you remain alive because of the ability to ADAPT.
Adaptability ensures that you stay alive! Rigidity does the converse!!
"It's the ability to adapt to new routines or environment enables success."
From the minute you popped out from the womb, you have adapted a lot! I know you are capable! You can adapt a lot more, to become successful!!
Harward based Psychologist Bruce H. Lipton says your thoughts are like a computer program, which is programmed since your birth, in a certain ways or patterns. These thought patterns change, as you grow up or with the time elapse.
If you observe your thoughts mindfully, they are repeating themselves in certain patterns.
There are a lot of factors that affect these thought programming. This includes environment, parents, friends, school, teachers. Basically, you are taught to listen to others, obey the orders of parents or teachers. If they program you in wrong ways, your life will be chaotic.
Every person at every meeting is conveying you something or trying to program your thoughts, consciously or unconsciously! Most of times, they are unconscious!!
These programs may enable development or hinder development. What you shouldn't forget is that -
You definitely have a choice to change or to think in certain predetermined ways! You can choose your thoughts! You can choose your actions! This is the power of choice!
You need to be flexible to alter your routines & habits, most importantly to change your belief systems, thinking patterns.
'Being flexible is a sign of intelligence.'
Bruce Lee says:
Apart from there are other techniques to tackle the rigidity of the mind. These include Meta-Cognition & Neuro Associations.
Meta cognitive techniques helps us to tackle rigidity of the mind.
Meta cognitive techniques are a set of psychological techniques that enable you to trick the brain before the brain tricks you. We have written in detail on these, please read the post. It's shared in the related posts.
Neuro-Associations also make us less resilient to pain, discomfort. We have written in detail in the post named - The Psychology of Problems, Depression, Idleness & Motivation. It's shared in the related posts.
Stay tuned!!
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YaDu,
On behalf of Get Inspired Spiritually,