Well, I could have but I didn’t. Sound familiar?
Most everyone can list things they could have done but didn’t. They didn’t do them even though they knew at the time that doing so would have a positive impact on their lives. Why didn’t they?
Procrastination is the reason usually cited. However,
What if, procrastination is not the core reason?
What if, the real reason is your lizard brain is too strong to allow you take action?
Lizard brain? What on earth is a lizard brain and why would I, a human, have one?
Your lizard brain is very real and lives on top of your spine.
It is your protector; it fights for your survival and to keep you safe.
Unfortunately, survival and success are not the same thing.
And, the lizard brain was around long before you were. Let me tell you a story of how you are connected and why you react as you do which is not, in all instances, merely procrastination.
Here’s your Biology 101 for this post.
The lizard brain shows up in the womb as it has for the past million+ years; you can see it in a sonogram. It is the fight or flight response. Whenever there is an emergency, the lizard brain is in charge. It takes over no matter what else is happening.
A quick look at the 4 major “systems” in the brain, “systems” being more conceptual for understanding rather than exact biological truth, shows that, as you go down the list, each system becomes more civilized and less powerful.
1. Brain stem-breathing and other unconscious functions
2. Limbic system—the lizard brain. FEAR, anger, revenge and sex.
3. Cerebellum-coordination and motore control
4. Cerebrum—newest and most sophisticated part of our brain and the one that is ALWAYS overruled by the other 3 systems
Rather than continue with the biology lesson, think of the systems this way. The older a brain system is on the evolutionary scale, the more power it has to suspend the actions of the younger systems.
For example, you can neither give a speech while drowning nor write a poem while vomiting from being on a roller coaster.
In both of these graphic instances, the lizard brain is protecting you; it cares only about your survival.
What you need to do is to create an environment where the lizard brain snoozes. Since you can’t beat it, you must seduce it.
Let’s take a minute to look at how the lizard brain is sabotaging your efforts to create, be more, do more.
Have you ever done anything self destructive? Have you ever worked on a paper or presentation for a week and failed to back it up? Have you ever had a great idea yet failed to speak up at the appropriate time?
What about a salesperson who spends hundreds or even thousands of dollars on sales training yet “flees” at the first sign of a “no” from a customer?
In most all instances of this nature, it is your lizard brain that is responsible for this self sabotage. You may know that your “survival” does not depend on the presentation or sale, however, your lizard brain does not.
What your lizard brain knows, is that you are afraid and therefore it must protect you. At its strongest, it will not allow you to be in an uncomfortable situation or where people might laugh at you or reject you.
The lizard brain wants to keep doing the familiar—even if its not working—because it knows it. The pattern is familiar. The lizard brain wants you to fit in rather than stand out.
The lizard brain loves going to school because being obedient is soothing. For the lizard brain, it is not the education that soothes, it is the soothing of being where it is supposed to be, doing what it is supposed to do, all in a familiar environment.
How can you seduce the lizard brain?
Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Learn to look at failure differently. Be willing to be the stand out person you are. In time, the world will recognize and applaud you.
Even if it doesn’t, the important thing is you know you thought and took action. The more you do it, the better your life becomes.
Seth Godin wrote in detail about the lizard brain in his best selling book Linchpin Are you Indispensable. Seth learned about the lizard brain or resistance from Stephen Pressfield in The War of Art, another great read. While you may not recognize Pressfield’s name, you likely are familiar with his other book that became a hit movie The Legend of Bagger Vance.
If you are not a reader or would like more information on the lizard brain as quickly as possible, below you will find a 4 minute Lizard Brain presentation by Seth Godin.
Is your lizard brain stopping you from being all that you can be?
If you think this would be helpful for others, please help me spread the word. “Tweet it” “Like It” “Share It” or “Digg It” or “Stumble” below.
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janet@janetcallaway.com
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My lizard brain only understands “seduction” if bacon products are involved.
Great post – would love to see more folks overcome the obviously instinctual and move on what’s really important more often.
Thx so much, Rick. Your comment made me smile. We are in complete agreement that it would be ever-so-much better if people would “overcome the obviously instinctural and move on what’s really important more often.” Their lives and the world would be much better for it.
Rick, I am going to send you a link via fb to a longer explanation by Seth. It’s terrific. Until later, my friend, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Isn’t it interesting how we will do whatever we can to feel safe?
It’s ‘natural’ for us to limit ourselves rather than acknowledge and connect with our brilliance in the knowledge that can achieve whatever it is we can imagine despite the discomfort along the way.
I love the image that comes to mind when you say we must seduce our lizard brains by learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. That is so true.
I always envisage the journey to success as a road that has to wind it’s way through villages and towns, some of which represent success and others failure.
The only way to move closer to success however is to accept that we have to pass failure along the way.
Thank you for sharing this powerful message.
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..How to Consistently Increase Your Income
Marcus, aloha. It is always such a treat for me when you stop by and leave a comment because your comments enchant me. They always show how thoroughly you have read the post and captured its message. You then comment back to me with such wonderful examples, stories and visuals.
Absolutely love your journey “through villages and towns . . .accept that we have to pass failure along the way.”
Thx so much, Marcus; I appreciate you. Best wishes for a terrific week. Aloha. Janet
I know, he’s lovely isn’t he Janet?
Jayne Kopp recently posted..Building Relationships Online Getting to Know Each Other
He is indeed, Jayne.
Janet,
Wonderful article! Where do you get these ideas? Thanks for elaborating about the lizard brain (since I was wondering about it when I read your previous post!). Very true that we must seduce our lizard brain – and I like your tip about learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Once again excellent piece of article. And thanks for the biology part, it is of interest to me as I do research in the field of Medical Physics. I deal with more of rats, cats and humans; I missed this lizard stuff!
Cheers,
Jane.
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..Dramatically Increase Subscriptions Without Lifting A Finger- Literally
Jane, aloha. Your comment “Where do you get these ideas?” absolutely made my day. Thx so much: I truly appreciate it.
Judging from the content on your blog, I would say that, like I imagine you are, I am a voracious reader. Learning new things, applying it in my life and sharing that info with others, is truly my passion in life.
When I learned about the lizard brain, it answered so many questions for me about why I react the way I do in certain situations. It was tremendously freeing to me. As I shared the information with others, I saw similar changes for them.
Here is a link to a more detailed explanation of the lizard brain. While I enjoyed the entire speech since I am a HUGE Seth Godin fan, the lizard brain info begins at the 9 minute mark. Here you go, Jane:
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Enjoy a fabulous day. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Wow! You have taught me something new. It’s not about us choosing to procrastinate, it’s about our “lizard” brain keeping us “safe” in a familiar place.
Your break down of the brain functions sheds light on why we behave the way we do.
I have some researching to do. lol
~Tisha
Tisha, aloha. Glad you liked it. While sometimes we do procrastinate, in so many instances it is really our lizard brain keeping us “safe” from failure or even feeling uncomfortable for that matter.
Here is a terrific clip by Seth Godin which goes into more detail on the lizard brain. While I enjoyed the entire speech because I am a HUGE Seth fan, the explanation on the lizard brain begins at the 9 minute mark. Enjoy.
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
Thx for letting me know the information made a difference to you. Aloha. Janet
I wholeheartedly agree, Janet! I’ve had the experience of battling down my lizard brain, especially in deciding to move to Peru, but it took months of negotiation. Your examples really demonstrate that there are times we need to “seduce the lizard brain” in an instant, such as speaking up with a great idea or fighting the urge to flee when a customer says “no.”
As you say, I imagine that the more we learn to step outside of our comfort zone, the more naturally we’re able to take positive risks, especially for our business.
I’m curious about your thoughts on the opposite intuition. Our lizard brain may be in the way when we shy away from risk, but sometimes our intuition or automatic reaction is in fact to take that risk. I wonder which part of the brain is working then or if it has to do with subduing the lizard brain to allow our natural intuitions free. =)
Thanks for an enlightening post, Janet! =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..The Sea of Nonconformity- A Poet and Capoeirista in Huancayo
Samantha, aloha. With what you do and your travels, I should imagine that you have quite a bit of experience in soothing your lizard brain. No doubt because of your experience in quieting it, you can do more adventurous things without it screaming than most people. For you, adventure and new ventures seem to be the norm so it is not so terrifying for your lizard brain.
Great question on intuition/automatic reaction, Samantha. I suspect your lizard brain still has a lot to do with it because it reacts based on perceived possible harm. That being said, it draws from cumulative experience and can make lighting fast decisions so, what may seem like a risk for most people, is not actually a risk to the certain person who takes it.
Also, of course, if you are looking at something such as a career change or relationship change, the desire for something new/better/different may be so strong, that it is stronger than the cries of the lizard brain.
Here is a talk which Seth Godin gave some time ago. While I enjoyed the entire talk because I am a HUGE Seth fan, he gives an explanation of the lizard brain beginning at the 9 minute mark.
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
Thx so much for your thoughtful comment. Again, Samantha, I should imagine that you know how to soothe your lizard brain so that you can accomplish all that you do. Aloha. Janet
Maybe you’re right, Janet! I’ve jumped off the cliff more than a couple times, so it probably gets just a bit easier for me to jump off again (even if I’m scared to death). You bring up some great points about the perception of risk and the potential for a desire to overcome the lizard brain’s reactions.
Thanks for the link to Seth’s talk! He’s a really great speaker and I loved his analogy about surpassing the resistance of the plunger for a creative explosion. I also love how he ends with a motivational thought: overcoming our lizard brain isn’t an opportunity, it’s an obligation.
I can’t wait to learn more from an information-sponge like you. =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..The Sea of Nonconformity- A Poet and Capoeirista in Huancayo
Samantha, aloha. So glad my comments resonated with you. What I liked about learning about the lizard brain, is it helped me understand so much about myself and others. With what you now know, I imagine you have an even greater appreciation of your accomplishments.
Seth is a terrific speaker and the visuals in that talk truly help you to “get it” as in the plunger/creative explosion. Because I wanted people to hear Seth speak on the lizard brain, I felt more people would be likely to watch the shorter clip that the longer and move the cursor. Besides, this way you received an extra treat.
Samantha, you have no idea how much your comment “information sponge” warmed my heart. My greatest pleasure in life is learning new information/things and sharing with others. You put a huge smile on my face. Thank you. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
awesome nuggets here. The lizard brain was formed in an age when it was really dangerous to leave the cave. Courageous people who where the first to leave the cave were probably eaten by tigers so they couldn’t pass their courage on to coming generations.
The fainthearts survived.
The trouble is that it isn’t dangerous anymore today to leave the cave as it used to be (at least not as dangerous) . But we hold ourselves back anyway.
The irony is that we are still doing things that can really be dangerous for our lives (like driving a car, smoking or over-eating), but we don’t do things that don’t threaten our lives, like building a business part-time.
To me, it’s an entire perversion of the notion and perception of risks.
Thanks for sharing your nuggets !
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Think And Grow Rich – Oliver Tausend Reads His Lessons – The Sixth Sense
Oliver, aloha. Your comment on the irony of the dangerous things that we do vs. the non-threatening things that we don’t do, is a keeper. Guaranteed, Oliver, I will be borrowing that thought and weaving it into stories on a regular basis. I can hardly wait until I ask the next person, “Why is it that we . . . .”
Oliver, isn’t it a wonderful life being out of the cave? Don’t you wish everyone could understand and appreciate how fulfilling their lives could be?
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your brilliant comments. Off to share it with others. Enjoy a spectacular day. Aloha. Janet
Hey Janet,
Thanks for introducing this ‘Lizard brain’ first time hearing about it. Thank you for putting up the video. Now, let me go and get uncomfortable. I have to go do my workout that I have been procrastinating this morning.
Have a great day…
Josh
Josh Garcia recently posted..Selecting an Orlando Realty Company
Josh, aloha. Hope you enjoyed a great workout. Sorry to tell you I suspect that it was pure procrastination rather than the lizard brain that was causing the delay. Whichever it was, Josh, glad the post spurred you to your workout.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Here is another one where Seth gives a more detailed explanation. To go immediately to the section re the lziard brain, move the cursor to the 9 minute mark. To me, learning about the lizard brain is fascinating and has made quite a difference in my life. Here’s the link:
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
Thx for sharing your thoughts, Josh. Aloha. Janet
I must say, I really LOVED your title for this post. Battling one’s lizard brain is one of the things that really prevents a lot of people from reaching their goals. I learned that when I wasn’t having very much success, I knew that I had to look at me and fix me first.
Thanks for the great post.
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff recently posted..Robert Allen on Prospecting With Posture
Jerome, aloha. Thx so much for your comment on my title, Because I am workign on creating more catchy titles, I truly appreciate your comment.
Jerome, I think knowing about your lizard brain and why you do or don’t do what you need to do, is a major step forward in being able to correct the problem. Glad that you took the time to look at yourself and fixed what needed to be fixed so you could achieve your goals.
Thx for the compliment and for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy a great day. Aloha. Janet
Girl, you sure are creative. Where in the world do you get these ideas for these posts! I would never in a million years come up with something like that which is why I’m really enjoying your blog.
Lizard brain huh!!! That’s a new one for me. Luckily, I’ve never been a procrastinator. Yeah, I know… I’m not normal. Don’t think Ive actually sabotaged myself either, I’m WAY too careful when I’m doing tasks. Hey, I’m SO not perfect so this just makes me step back and take a harder look at myself and some of the things that I have done. LOL!!!
Boy, this was a good one… Thanks Janet for making me smile and really enjoying reading a post. Just love your blog girl.
Adrienne
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Adrienne, WOW! My head is so huge it can barely fit inside my office; I don’t know how I will ever be able to get through the door. Thank you soooooooo much. Your words made my day, created smile after smile and inspire to create more for your education and entertainment.
Adrienne, did you ever stop to think that you are raising the bar on what “normal” should be? Maybe all the rest of us are abnormal. What do you think?
Since you enjoyed the post, here is a clip with a longer explanation of the lizard brain. While I enjoyed Seth’s entire talk because I am a HUGE fan of his, the info on the lizard brain begins at the 9 minute mark. enjoy.
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
Adrienne, thank you for enriching my life with your comments. Wishing you a glorious day. Aloha. Janet
Ah, so glad I made your day. You deserve it!!!
I’m SO not raising the bar.. I’m just a little weird!! Unique, that’s it, I’m unique! Love that one better.
Thanks for the link, will definitely be watching that one. So I’m learning all your secrets now! Watch out! LOL!!
Thanks Janet, I enjoy you…
Adrienne recently posted..Traffic- Traffic- Who Needs Traffic!
Ahhh, Adrienne. Blushing. Mahalo nui loa, my friend. Take good care. Aloha. Janet
Aloha Janet,
Wow! Excellent post. I got intrigued when I saw the title and couldn’t wait to read about the lizard brain
I agree that we must seduce our lizard brain. You make a good point about learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Not many people are willing to stretch out of their comfort zone.
Thanks for sharing your insights. Great job!
All the best,
Mavis
Mavis Nong recently posted..Are You Using BizSugar to Drive Blog Traffic
Mavis, aloha. Thx for letting me know the title caught your eye. Once we know about and understand more about the lizard brain, I do believe it becomes easier to seduce or at least soothe it.
With what you have accomplished, Mavis, I would venture to say that you are comfortable being uncomfortable. Therefore, while it may be a bit unpleasant or disconcerting, it does not panic the lizard brain when you are learning yet another new things.
Thx so much for your compliments, Mavis; they are much appreciated. Best wishes for a great day. Aloha. Janet
“Since you can’t beat it, you must seduce it.” I love it Janet!
I couldn’t wait to get to the part about how to deduce it and the first tip was the one I really need – get comfortable being uncomfortable! I needed to hear this today so thank you for being right on time!
Kesha recently posted..Stop the Madness and Find Your Social Network Focus!
Kesha, aloha. Thx so much. Glad to know my tip was right on time. Wishing you a gloriously productive day. Aloha. Janet
Love your title too.
I’m a really good fan of Seth but I haven’t come across this video before.
If we don’t learn to be comfortable in the mist of discomfort we will not achieve anything in live. When we take a step believing that are a going to achieve success come.
If we don’t move there is no motion in our lives and things become stagnant. We all need to break out of our comfort zone.
Thanks
Joyce recently posted..Is It Possible to Retire At Any Age With 7 Millions in Your Bank Account
Joyce, aloha. Well said. Since you too are a Seth fan, you may enjoy this longer explanation of the lizard brain. While I like the entire speech, the Seth starts speaking about the lizard brain at the 9 minute mark. Enjoy.
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
Best wishes for a great day. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Another interesting post gal and yeah where you did you ideas for these awesome articles?
I totally agree that we must seduce our lizard brain. You’ve made a great point about – Learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
~Dev
Devesh recently posted..3 Untapped Ways To Drive Fast Traffic To Your Blog
Dev, aloha. Thx so much for your kind word. With the number of blogs you read and your business, I truly appreciate your comments. Glad you enjoyed it. Take care and have a terrific day. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Another trip into the subconscious mind. If we learn to control, or at least suppress what our subconscious mind tells us to do. We can overcome anything.
Fear is not a bad thing, it can help us to survive, but it can also help us to learn. Learning from your experiences is the key.
Thanks for sharing Janet and have a great day!
Ian Belanger recently posted..Overcoming Procrastination With A March Madness Bracket And Newton’s Law Of Motion Really
Ian, aloha. Love your phrase “another trip into the subconscious mind.” My feeling is that the better we understand why we do what we do, the more effective we will be in helping ourselves and others. Knowing and doing makes the world a better place. Have a great day. Aloha. Janet
Great post, was not sure where it was going based on the title so I had to read on. In the end it made so much sense to me. We almost need to force ourselves into these uncomfortable situations in order to grow and develop.
It’s also a great way to understand why others do (and don’t do) the things they do. I know so many people that are still using their lizard brain and haven’t learned how to seduce it. At certain times I am still one of those people too, hopefully less often now that I’ve read this article, thank you.
Matt recently posted..The Search for Passion
Matt, aloha. Thx so much for letting me know the title brought you over and then you kept reading. We hear so often about procrastinating that we tend to believe that if people don’t do things in a timely fashion, they are procrastinators. While that certainly may be true in some instances, when you learn about the lizard brain you realize it may be that the lizard brain is in charge and is protecting the person. It definitely gives you a different perspective on people you see who delay in taking action.
Now that you know about your lizard brain, hopefully you will be able to soothe or outright seduce it as needed. Best of luck to you. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Nice post! I imagine children who must operate from their lizard brains simply to survive on a daily basis are more acclimated to operate from the lizard brain as adults. This, I believe, why it is so difficult for people to change. All of my high school, college, and graduate school career I was terrified of public speaking. It took me years of attempting to speak until I finally became comfortable with it. Now I actually enjoy it. If someone had told me in my 20′s I would love public speaking in my 40′s I would NEVER ever have believed it possible.
Catherine Lockey recently posted..My daughter is doing WHAT on Facebook
Catherine, aloha. Thx so much for kind words. I believe that you are correct that the stranglehold of the lizard brain is why it is so difficult for many people to change.
CONGRATULATIONS on not only overcoming your fear of public speaking but getting to the point where you enjoy it. Catherine, you did some major work on becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Good to see you, Catherine. Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet, I was wondering what’s lizard brain and now it makes a lot of sense. My lizard brain is very strong and I am trying to “seduce” it by letting it know that something maybe new but it’s still safe. This concept is very interesting and I have to sit down and think where I am self-sabotaging myself because of the lizard brain and how I can look at it from a different perspective. Thanks for this wonderful post!
Diana, aloha. So glad that the post helped you. Wishing you and your lizard brain a wonderful and productive conversation. Thx so stopping by and commenting. Aloha. Janet
Janet:
This is a fantastic post- with a wonderful exposition of the interaction and competition of our various intellects.
Thanks for sharing!
Roy
Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA recently posted..And- the winner is…
Roy, aloha. Thx so much for your kind words. Looking at your credentials, I am giving myself a big pat on the back.
Roy, please do visit again soon and share your thoughts. Aloha. Janet
Survival and success are not the same thing. Amen!
Thanks for the great video of Seth. It’s so hard to re-program ourselves to behave and react positively to situations that cause us discomfort or anxiety. The things that make us stand out, even in good ways, are out of the ordinary and therefore do not align with the lizard brain.
This is a lifelong commitment to adjusting our perspectives. It won’t happen overnight and it will continue to take work years from now. That’s just life. But now is the time (today) to begin a new habit of being comfortable taking uncomfortable actions.
Isn’t the potential benefits of experience and learning worth some growing pains?
Thanks Janet!
-Jon
Jon recently posted..Promote Your Business or Cause- Let’s Hear YOUR Story
Jon, absolutely the potential benefits of experience and learning are worth some growing pains? Thank you for saying it so well. You are right that it is an evolutionary process as we continue to adjust and grow.
The sooner people begin, the sooner their lives can be what they want. The longer they delay, the stronger the lizard brain becomes. The lizard brain is so creative when it comes to making excuses.
Thx for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, John. Aloha. Janet
Great post Janet, perfect timing too! I was just pondering this subject today in fact. I thought I was starting to suffer from procrastination which has never really been a problem for me in the past.
I’ve always been “Hyper-Productive” compared to most people, but that was when I was an offline business owner. In the past two years I’ve come online, crammed as much knowledge in my head as I can, as fast as I can.
Recently I’ve noticed that I have the ability to spend more and more time online and get less and less accomplished, What gives? I thought I was falling victim to procrastination AND chasing shiney objects.
Thanks for letting me know I’m just a wild animal with a giant Lizard brain!
Maybe I can “Seduce” my brain with a 5 lb bag of crickets from the local pet store?
Hmmm, that’s a thought, OR I could dip them in chocolate and… what was I saying? All jokes aside, great article Janet! I like your style, the topic is interesting, the information is valuable and you kept me interested WITHOUT dangling any shiney objects in my face! This is good!
WOW! Bertram, my head is swelling so rapidly with your compliments that I am not even sure I will be able to make it through my office door.
Seriously, Bertram, thx so much for letting me know this message resonated you. If people realize it is not necessarily ordinary, everyday garden variety procrastination but rather a stranglehold by the lizard brain, then they can stop beating themselves up over procrastinating, get busy seducing the lizard brain and take action to get what they want. Should I do another post on the lizard brain, I will be sure to include your recommendation on the bag of crickets!
Bertram, my blog and I hope we will see you often. Your comment style is what makes a blogger’s day. Thank you for making mine. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
What an interesting post! It makes sense when I consider something that I have heard a number of times:
People will work harder to avoid pain than they will to receive pleasure.
The lizard brain explains a lot about how people tick when it comes to their motivation in life.
Thanks for sharing!
Stacy
Stacy recently posted..My Blogging Contest Entry on Free Traffic Generation Methods
Stacy, aloha. Knowing about the lizard brain does make a lot of things make sense, doesn’t it?
To me, once you learn about the lizard brain you can then look at what you are doing/not doing and determine whether you are procrastinating or the lizard brain is tightening its grip. Armed with that knowledge, you can then take appropriate action.
Thx so much for sharing your thoughts. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
What a real lesson this post is for me. I have spent 30 minutes reading the post, all the comments and watching Seth’s video, yet my lizard brain is preventing me from leaving a comment. (The lizard brain is responsible for intimidation, I suppose hehe)…
Well, the lizard brain loves going to school! And yet I seduced it by writing this comment anyway =)….
I am also amazed where you get all these ideas for your blog. What’s more amazing is how the interaction on the comments section is helping me learn more. Very interesting exchange of thoughts there! Love your blog, Jane
- Rowena
Rowena Bolo recently posted..Do You Picture Yourself Passing The “Marshmallow Test”
CONGRATULATIONS, Rowena on seducing your lizard brain. Your comment means a great deal to me, Rowena. I am proud of you for recognizing what the lizard brain was doing, for being able to seduce it and to leave such a well thought out comment.
As you could tell from the comments, this post struck a responsive chord with many people. I am so glad you enjoyed reading the exchanges and learning from them. When people take the time to leave a good comment such as yours, it allows for each of us to expand on the topic thus giving more depth of knowledge as well as different perspectives.
When you were reading the comments, I don’t know if you noticed the link to Seth’s other video. Because the explanation in this one is more detailed, I am including it for your convenience. While I enjoyed the entire speech because I am a HUGE Seth fan, the explanation of the lizard brain begins at the 9 minute mark. If you haven’t watched it yet, you’ll enjoy it. Though I have seen it many times, I still watch it occasionally as a reminder. Here you go:
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
As far as ideas, I am a voracious reader. Sometimes when reading something or talking with people, I think “Wow! I should write a post about that and tell others.”
Look forward to seeing you again soon, Rowena. Aloha. Janet
Janet, this was a terrific read… and actually had be laughing out loud in a few spots. I think the visuals of writing a poem while being sick… and giving a speech while drowning got me started.
I’m quite relieve that it’s one part of the brain only… sometimes it feels like the whole works… I am sure my lizard brain is the size of a six foot iguana.
the term ‘seducing’ makes me chuckle too… the visuals are all too much.
I really have had some head butting sessions with my lizard brain. It still needs much training.
I loved this post…haven’t listened to Seths video yet, but I am about to do that.
Thanks for the great post. I got a kick out of some of the comments too.
Best,
Jayne
Jayne Kopp recently posted..Building Relationships Online Getting to Know Each Other
Jayne, aloha. Thx so much; so glad that you enjoyed it. I absolutely love your comment about your lizard brain being the size of a six foot iguana. With all you have done, accomplished and overcome, I would have that yours would have been the size of a baby gecko–just a cute little thing.
Jayne, since you like, visuals–hardly surprising since you like interior decorating–you will truly appreciate the visuals in this Seth video. While I enjoyed the entire video, the explanation on the lizard brain starts at the 9 minute mark. Jayne, if you watch it, guaranteed you will never forget the visuals. Here’s the clip:
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
People have left some great comments haven’t they? Loved the range of them. Enjoy.
Look forward to seeing you again soon, Jayne. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
A. Love your site!
B. Have to set Seth’s book- been “procrastinating” on it. Will do that tonight!
C. I totally get the lizard brain syndrome from time to time. Watching that vid with Seth just got me very emotional (very tough to do). When he talked about entrepreneurs going 90% of the way and at the last moment taking a half step back… wow! Goodness knows I’ve done that all too often. I’ve gotten better and overcoming that, but it’s not 100%. Just realized I’m doing it now with a project I’ve been working on (for over 6 months!). Time to put that lizard brain to bed.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful article!!
Michele Welch recently posted..How A Simple Connection Can Lead To A Promising Collaboration
Michele, aloha. Thx so much for the kudos on my site. With your expertise in all things WP, I truly appreciate it. Expect to see me on your new WP site.
You will love the chapter on Resistance. You will have many ah ha moments as you read it.
That video is powerful in its message and his visuals make it even more so. Michele, I believe the plunger demo speaks to most entrepreneurs. The good news is that having seen it, you can understand yourself much better, seduce that lizard brain and accomplish all you want.
Michele, so glad you enjoyed the article. Look forward to your next visit. Aloha. Janet
Just loved this post. I enjoy studying and understanding the brain and passing the info along to parents who are trying to understand their kids. Brain development in kids happens very much in the order you described.
Well I was feeling vindicated about my fear of public speaking until I realized that the article was really teaching us how to tame the darn lizard. Yes… stretching the comfort zone is a must for the growth we covet.
Keyuri, aloha. In your business as a parenting coach, Keyuri, I can understand how beneficial this information will be in helping parents to better understand why their children do or do not do certain things.
Yes, if you can become comfortable being uncomfortable, it goes a long way to quieting, soothing or outright seducing the lizard brain.
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Look forward to seeing you again soon. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Great post! I love it when you talk about seducing the lizard brain. I find what works for me is detachment. When I’m on the phone with a prospect, I just don’t care if they join my company or not. I learned this from Mike Dillard, the king of Alpha marketers.
I find detachment helps me to remain clear about my primary objective, which is to help the prospect any way I can.
Awesome information, Janet. Thanks for sharing!
Gregory
Gregory McGuire recently posted..Why Would Anybody Want To Do Business With You
Gregory, aloha. Detachment is a terrific way to seduce the lizard brain. If would learn to present information and not be attached to the outcome, no doubt we would find better outcomes on a more consistent basis.
Thx for the great tip on detachment. You always have such great insights to share. Look forward to seeing you next time. Aloha. Janet
Wow! I was an Anthropology major and I remember touching upon this years ago. (A long long time ago, in a galaxy far away. Lol.) It explains a lot when it comes to human nature. And the fact that we are not that displaced from our fellow animals. Many people don’t like to think of that because our brain is so evolved above that of a lizard but it is still there, stronger than ever!
I find it fascinating the fact that the lizard brain is what keeps us doing the familiar, even if it is detrimental. It is the soothing and comfortable that rules many times.
Anyway, this is extremely interesting and I am rambling.
I need to learn to overcome this lizard brain of mine! Out with the comfort and in with the new and exciting!
Your posts are amazing. I need time to explore your site. Argh! Soon.
Allie recently posted..Google Analytics for Blog Newbies 3- Content and Analysis Conclusions
Allie, aloha. Your ” . . . in a galaxy far away” quote truly made me smile. Thx so much. Interesting your take on this topic with your Anthropology background. Now that I have stirred those memories, you can put together your previously existing knowledge with what you gleaned from this post and truly dazzle people.
Love that you are replacing comfort with new and exciting. That approach will go along way to soothing your lizard brain. Don’t forget to remind it how much it loves new and exciting things.
Allie, I am so glad you enjoy my site. Look forward to seeing you again soon. Until then, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Once again, you have posted a truly brilliant article.
This one moves people in a new direction for success because they can now understand what has been holding them back. And, since you can’t kill that darned lizard brain, you really need to seduce it.
Once a person “gets it” they can take the appropriate action. Your article is written in plain text so that anyone and everyone can really GET IT.
Thank you again!
Gidget Giardino
http://www.facebook.com/GidgetGiardino
Gidget, aloha. So glad you enjoyed the article. Being aware of and then working with the lizard brain, can make a huge, huge difference in our lives.
To me, it was very freeing to learn about the lizard brain. It helped me to understand why I did/did not do certain things. My mind came up with all sorts of excuses that sounded so rational yet I now know it was my lizard brain “protecting” me. Hope you found some tips to help you with your lizard brain.
Gidget, thx so much for stopping by and commenting. Enjoy a great weekend. Aloha. Janet
Janet,
Thank you for the always fascinating read – I need to feed my mind with some more Seth Godin goodness, that’s for sure!
And the video, what a great point about daring to fail big… good thought there.
Happy weekend,
Niclas J
Niclas Johansson recently posted..Time Is Of The Essence
Niclas, aloha. So glad you found it fascinating. Seth is one of my very favorite authors and blog writers. In addition to having all of his books, each day I look forward to arrival of his blog. If you don’t yet subscribe to it, starting with your mind with his blog. Go to his site, click through the goodies and then click to his blog to subscribe. Here’s the link:
http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/
Happy reading, Niclas. Enjoy a terrific weekend. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet!
I had never heard of the lizard brain, but obviously I’ve felt it! What a great explanation and video. I can’t tell you how many times in my life I’ve gone 90% of the way and at the last minute second guessed myself.
Could there be a more powerful statement than “It’s safer to fail small.”
I’ve often said that when I’m trying to push my comfort zone, I work best just a little outside of it than I do way outside of it. When my goals are so huge and scary, I end up sabotaging myself. When they’re more in the “uncomfortable” stage, it’s possible for me to override the lizard brain tendencies.
Thank you for sharing it and for teaching me today!
Heather
Heather C Stephens recently posted..March to Our Success
Heather, aloha. So glad that you enjoyed the article and that the information is beneficial for you. Now you know that second guessing is, most often, your lizard brain protecting and saving you. Talk about a good news/bad news.
Once I learned about the lizard brain, it became much, much easier to soothe it and continue forward with the project. Prior to learning about it, I didn’t even know why I did/didn’t do some things. However, I do know that my lizard brain is extremely creative when it comes to justifying the why or why not.
Thx for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Thanks for a fun and educating read. Seducing the Lizard brain… There’s a task.
I like your tip – learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Getting into the habit of doing whatever takes you out of your comfort zone is definitely a good thing. Consciously building neural pathways which make it instinctual to strive beyond the known and fulfill your potential is certainly the way to go, and it’s all making the right choices, time and time again until there is no choice any more and it just happens.
We shouldn’t be hard on ourselves though. In ancient times, standing out would have meant death. It’s just a shame that no one told our lizard brain that approaching someone we’re attracted too, or calling a prospect, or speaking in public WILL NOT KILL US! In fact, it will make us stronger.
All the best,
Jym
Jym recently posted..Google vs the Farms & The No1 SEO Tip of All Time
Jym, aloha. In the past, we had to fit in because, if we did not, we could be cast out the cave and our very survival was at stake. Our lizard brain did a terrific job of not shaking up the status quo or standing out in any way which could be construed as threatening to the others.
Jym, you’re right. If we could just help our lizard brain “get” that approaching someone who appeals to us, contacting prospects or, perish the thought, public speaking actually enhance our survival–or at the very least make it more enjoyable–we could be more and do more without so constantly fighting the resistance.
Now that you know this new info on the lizard brain, Jym, doesn’t it make you feel even better about what you have accomplished in your life–despite the liazrd brains best efforts to “protect” you?
Jym, it was good to see you again. Please do stop by again soon. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Wow! That was a very interesting read…and video. I had no idea about this but it certainly explains a lot of things
Thank you for sharing your insights and also thanks for stopping by my blog the other day! It’s great to meet you and I am truly looking forward to getting to know you.
Aloha and have a great week!
Ilka
Ilka Flood recently posted..Top Commentator Award Winners for March
Ilka, aloha. Thx so much for coming to visit me. I too look forward to “getting to know you . . .” as we read each other’s posts.
So glad you enjoyed this post and found the information useful. Once you know about the lizard brain, it explains oh-so-many things about why you do or don’t do what you know you want/need/should do.
Best wishes for a fabulous week, Ilka. Look forward to seeing you again in the blogosphere. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet. What an awesome post – how DO you find the time to put so much valuable effort into your writing? I actually had to go back and read this twice because it made me think of my background in Psychology and how this all fits – or not – with the Freudian concepts of Id, Ego, and Superego. Trying to decide if the lizard brain is a analogous to a combination of the “superego” – that part of our brain whose function it is to suppress the urges of the “id” – the instinctual part of our brain and the “ego” – the more organized and realistic component. What are your thoughts?
Julie Weishaar recently posted..Dental Practices Can’t Upsell – Can They
Julie, aloha. Good to see you again. While I am delighted that your business is booming, I am sorry we have not seen each other as much.
Julie, I think an important difference is the id, ego and superego are functions of the mind rather than physiological as is the lizard brain. Like the id, the lizard brain is instinctual and needs driven–survival, sex, etc.
Suspend what you know about Freud and think about the lizard brain. Do you think, Julie, that it has stopped you a time or two in the past? Does it help you to understand why you did or did not do certain things?
If you want to learn more about this, watch this clip. Though I enjoyed the entire clip, the information re the lizard brain starts at the 9 minute mark. Enjoy.
http://the99percent.com/videos/5822/seth-godin-quieting-the-lizard-brain
Julie, best wishes for a fantastic weekend. Look forward to seeing you again soon. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet, I realize after reading your article is that out lizard brain only agree in order to keep us on our comfort zone and I love that. But I realize if I only follow my lizard brain then I won’t be able to enjoy happiness.
Christie, aloha. You are so right; your lizard brain does want to keep you in your comfort zone. If you are perfectly content with where you are and do not want more, then you’re okay. However, if you want more out of life than yo currently have, you are going to have to make some changes which will make the lizard brain uncomfortable.
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Aloha. Janet
I never thought of it as a “lizard brain”. I always thought of that as my “instincts”, as opposed to thoughts. I “instinctively” want to run from speaking in public, but I “think” that it will be good for me, so I do it anyways. But I like the Lizard Brain idea better. It makes it more fun and motivating.
This was a wonderful post, Janet, and so applicable to me. I have suffered a panic disorder for a number of years, and if you think that the Lizard Brain is illogical and sometimes out-of-control in some people, it can be absolutely crippling in those who suffer from panic disorders..
Actually, I was misdiagnosed for panic attacks from childhood because doctors couldn’t find anything wrong with me. I have recently been correctly diagnosed with Basilar Type Migraine, where the aura gives neurogical-type symptoms. But I still developed a panic disorder, because I had been getting more and more of these episodes and had become irrationally afraid of having the attacks.
Anyhow, I totally know the damage the lizard brain can cause. This knowledge, too, will help me write my book without throwing it away halfway through, lol.
Thanks for sharing.
Christine recently posted..The True Meaning of Forgiveness
Christine, aloha. Knowing how our journey started together and what you have shared along the way, I felt this post would be of benefit to you. Christine, that lizard brain absolutely gets a strangelehold on our creativity and, as Seth would say, “shipping” of our product.
Do check back to reread or watch whenever you will the Lizard Brain becoming too powerful. Until next time, aloha. Janet