We all like to think we are rational beings. But really, we are emotional beings with the illusion of rationality. We aren't ruled by logic. We're ruled by our emotions. They control decisions, behaviors, feelings, and how we interact with others. The hardest thing is to try to go against them. But it may be the smartest thing you can do.Neuroscience is changing our understanding of human behavior. We know that all behavior is directed by neuro-activity in the brain, and energy of the brain is derived from emotion. Our thoughts have an emotional loading. Different emotions drive different kinds of actions.
For example, anger might make you want to fight, lash out, or break something. Fear might urge you to run away. These urges are generally self-protective and instinctual, but they don't always make sense. Sometimes, these urges create more intense emotions rather. The key idea behind “opposite action” is to identify the emotion one feels as well as the urge to action. Choosing the opposite reaction may help us reverse those feelings.
The next time your emotions and their urges don’t fit the situation, channel your inner maverick and do the opposite of what the urge wants you to do. If you can continue to do the opposite action, in time those specific emotions will ease in intensity and they won't be controlling your behavior.
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