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The 12 Tricks Your Brain Plays

The Traps of the Human Mind

By Carlos ChapmanPublished 4 years ago 5 min read
The 12 Tricks Your Brain Plays
Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash

The brain that we know so well can make us believe that something is right, when in fact it is wrong, that we are in love when in fact we are not, and so on.

The human mind is complex and can often be our greatest enemy when it comes to happiness. The very brains that we know so well can make us believe that something is right, when in fact it is wrong, that we are in love when in fact we are not, and so on. Learning to recognize and overcome these pitfalls is an essential thing if you want to achieve lasting happiness, stronger relationships, and career success.

Take a look at this list to see if you're fooled by your brain! I can bet that's the case.

The 12 DANGEROUS tricks your brain is playing

1. I would be happier if I had less to do

Our minds often try to make us believe that we would be happier if we didn't have to work. We imagine our life as a continuous holiday and we have the (wrong) impression that such a life would make us happy.

However, the truth is that inactivity often leads to boredom and depression. We are creative and active beings. We need challenges and accomplishments to be happy. Start doing something important for yourself and you will see the indicator of happiness begin to grow.

2. It's not my fault, it's your fault

Many times our brains make us think we are unhappy because of our partner, parents, or other people in our lives. We blame everyone around us.

Of course, in any relationship, the responsibility lies with both. But in general, we are just as or maybe more guilty than the others around us. We must take responsibility for our situation and do our best to make the most of it. Taking responsibility for our actions is the beginning of true happiness.

3. I just need to discover the secret of success to be happy

I am convinced that there are no "secrets" to happiness or success. Although many writers, and even our brains, would like to convince us of the existence of these shortcuts, they are not real. Having a successful life is quite simple.

You create a vision for the future, then a plan, and then you work hard to get where you set out to be. There are no secrets or shortcuts in this formula. If you accept this, you will be well on your way to happiness.

4. If I had…

Our mind makes us believe that we will be happy when we have the right job or the right house or the right car or whatever. There is nothing wrong with wishing you better things, but they do not guarantee happiness.

Maybe only for a short time, but it will pass very quickly. Those who want lasting happiness must understand that this is like a void that they will never be able to fill.

5. I like things the way they are and I never want them to change

To believe this is to be on a safe path to failure. Life requires continuous change. Some are under our control, some are not. Opposing change or trying to control it is to your disadvantage.

It is a process that will exhaust you and rob you of the happiness you hope for. Change is inevitable. You have to accept that and learn to let go of the tide. Being able to adapt is very important for your happiness.

6. If it hasn't happened to me yet, it never will

Our minds are often discouraged even when success is at hand. Colonel Sanders only became successful with KFC restaurants at the age of 65, 40 years after he started selling chicken products. Perseverance is very important on the road to happiness.

Don't let your mind fool you into giving up. You don't know what awaits you tomorrow. One more day may be all that separates you from your dream!

7. I will avoid things I don't like

Usually, our minds want to trick us into avoiding the most difficult tasks. But, unfortunately, these would bring us the greatest rewards. What are you postponing?

Why? Postponing and avoiding important or annoying tasks only delays your journey to happiness. Solve these problems first and the fulfillment you will feel will fuel your happiness.

8. The world is scary and something bad could happen to me

The brain tells us that there are many things we can't control. For example, how crime and terror are "promoted" on TV, could give us the impression that the aggressors are lurking in every corner. But crime rates have dropped in recent years.

According to FBI statistics, violent crimes are less common now than they were 20 years ago. Fear can motivate us, but not in a positive way. We must try to be confident to be free and to be happy.

9. I will decide when I am sure what to do

Thinking too much about any decision, no matter how minor, is not good for you. It is important to weigh things, analyze the possibilities and make plans, but nothing happens until you make a decision and act. We rarely have all the necessary data when we have to make a choice. So stop thinking about it!

Failure is not the end of the world. Napoleon Hill wrote, "Every obstacle, every failure, every broken heart brings a benefit." Don't let your brain fool you into analyzing everything too much!

10. I know I shouldn't, but …

Our minds try to make us deny the effects of bad habits and find all sorts of excuses for them. This is often the case when it comes to health. For example, I heard someone say, "I know I shouldn't smoke, but it helps me maintain my figure." or "I know I shouldn't eat this, but life just isn't worth living without."

A serious health problem such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes would certainly not make you happy. Don't let your brain fool you like this!

11. Dreams come true only for the lucky ones

Thomas Jefferson said, "I strongly believe in luck, and the more I work, the luckier I am." Our minds will sometimes fool us that we are victims of destiny. It will make us believe that "nothing good ever happens to us."

What our brains attribute to the good fortune of others is, in fact, the result of many years of practice, hard work, and intense training. Follow your dream wholeheartedly and you may be surprised how "luck" will get in your way.

12. I could never …

The brain often leads us to believe that we will not succeed. For example, I've heard people say, "I can't go back to school, I don't have money," or "I can't learn this, I'm too old." Don't be fooled! The mind is very persuasive when using this trick.

You have a lot of potentials and even if the circumstances are unfavorable, with perseverance and a lot of work you can overcome any obstacle. Henry Ford said, "If you think you can or if you think you can't, you're right!" Don't let these tricks stop you from being happy!

Here are the tricks our minds can play. If you have felt one or more points on this list on your own, don't despair! The truth will set you free! You now have the power to overcome these obstacles precisely because you are aware of them. Enjoy the happiness you just discovered !!

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