Conscious vs. subconscious thinking

Summary

The brain requires significant energy for tasks like concentration and decision-making, leading it to develop efficient subconscious processes that automate many behaviors. Up to 95% of our actions occur at this subconscious level, where memories and learned habits are stored. While these processes help us navigate daily life, they can also result in unhelpful habits. By engaging in conscious thought, we can reprogram our subconscious, enabling us to change our attitudes and achieve our goals. Although it demands more energy, conscious thinking allows us to take greater control of our actions and improve our lives.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Our brain requires significant energy for tasks like concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• ⚡ Concentration and decision-making can be slow processes that demand more brain energy.
• 🔄 The brain automates many functions to conserve energy through conscious and subconscious processing.
• 🌙 Subconscious processes manage basic life functions and learned behaviors without conscious thought.
• 📸 Up to 95% of our behaviors and reactions occur at the subconscious level.
• 🗃️ Our subconscious records and stores experiences and knowledge, akin to a photo album.
• 🖼️ The way we think and feel about our experiences shapes our attitudes and gives meaning to people, objects, and events.
• 🚫 Sometimes, unhelpful habits or attitudes develop that hinder our progress towards goals.
• 💭 Conscious thinking allows for mindfulness and control over our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
• 🏆 By engaging in conscious processing, we can reprogram our subconscious and achieve our goals more effectively.

Q & A

Why does the brain require a lot of energy?

The brain requires a great deal of energy to operate, especially when concentrating, problem-solving, or making decisions.

What percentage of our behaviors and reactions occur at the subconscious level?

Up to 95% of all our behaviors and reactions happen at the subconscious level.

What is the role of the subconscious in our daily functioning?

The subconscious handles basic life functions, the fight or flight response, and learned behaviors or habits, often on auto-pilot.

How does the brain save energy during daily tasks?

The brain automates many processes through subconscious processing, allowing it to conserve energy for more demanding tasks.

What analogy is used to explain how memories are stored in the brain?

Memories are compared to photos in a picture album, which can be referred back to later.

How do experiences shape our attitudes according to the script?

The way we think and feel about our experiences creates a frame around those 'photos,' influencing the meanings we assign to people, objects, or events, thereby shaping our attitudes.

What is the benefit of conscious thinking?

Conscious thinking allows us to be more mindful and considered, helping to reprogram our subconscious and change our thoughts, attitudes, and habits.

Why can conscious processing be slower and more energy-consuming?

Conscious processing involves higher thinking capacity, which requires more energy compared to subconscious processing.

In what ways can unhelpful habits affect our goals?

Unhelpful habits or attitudes developed subconsciously can prevent us from achieving our goals, necessitating more conscious thinking to overcome them.

How can we take greater control of our brain according to the script?

By engaging in conscious thinking, we can gain greater control over our thoughts and actions, allowing us to achieve our goals more effectively.