Countless times a day, our bodies and minds follow a natural chain of events. When managed well, this process keeps us aligned with our goals and connected to who we truly are. When misaligned, it can lead to self-abandonment, emotional outbursts, shutting down, burnout, depression, anxiety, and ultimately, a loss of direction. In short, it disrupts our entire lives.
This series of events is part of your body’s automatic function to keep you safe. When this safety mechanism is working properly, it helps guide you toward your goals, allowing you to feel fulfilled and happy.1 The problems come when this chain of events is disrupted. If emotions overpower thoughts or if thoughts become skewed, it can trigger emotions that are stronger than the situation warrants.
This is what people mean when they say their emotions got the best of them or that they weren’t thinking clearly—though they may not always recognize it.
It can be as simple as someone not feeling like going to the gym and letting their emotions override their goal of maintaining a consistent routine, or it can manifest in more intense situations. For example, dysfunctional parents may interpret a young child’s mistake as malicious, someone who’s had their trust broken in an intimate relationship may assume their partner is unfaithful without evidence, or a customer may perceive a service worker’s enforcement of corporate policy as a personal attack, reacting with frustration or aggression.2
Learning that feelings can be mistaken for facts, and that thoughts can be skewed and fuel intense emotions, helps you think clearly. When you think clearly, your emotions no longer drive your decisions. Instead of acting on impulse or reacting out of frustration, you’ll pause and make thoughtful choices. And instead of getting caught up in anxiety or stress, you’ll stay calm and focused on your goals. You’ll feel more in control and make more deliberate decisions, rather than impulsive reactions.
Clear thinking involves challenging unhelpful thoughts and learning how to recognize and manage emotions. This process promotes healthier chain reactions, helping us create better connections between thoughts and feelings. It also provides the self-awareness needed to succeed in all areas of life. And it is what you’ll learn here.
- West, M. (2022, July 29). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Uses and criticisms. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs
- Someone responding strongly or with hostility because they aren’t thinking clearly can explain their reaction, but it doesn’t excuse it. They are still responsible for their actions.