More About Decide.

(We will be updating these pages with more tools, tips and techniques so please visit often.)

ARE YOU NUMBING OR NOURISHING?

Ask yourself, "Is this nourishing or numbing, is this feeding me or depleting me?", use these questions as a clarifying tool to make a conscious choice. And then honor whatever choice you make. 

ARE YOUR DECISIONS FROM YOUR EVOLVED OR PRIMITIVE BRAIN?

Decisions can be motivated by thoughtful consideration from our higher mind (frontal lobe/executive functions) or fear-based survival instincts (amygdala, impulses) from a more primitive mind. When decisions are informed by our higher mind, they are more likely to lead to positive outcomes. Alternatively, decisions driven by survival instincts from the past can hold us back.

The meaning of the word “decide” comes from the Latin word, decidere, which is a combination of two words: de = ‘off’ + caedere = ‘cut’. To decide literally means to cut off all other choices.

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF AGENCY

In the words of psychologist Dr. Anthony Rao (Tony), we have lost our “agency,’ the ability to make wise decisions and put those decisions into actions that are consistent with the life we want to live. We have lost the ability to be effective agents on our own behalf. And, in doing so, we are setting an example for our children to do the same. Tony joins Marti & Erin in this episode of Mom Enough to discuss highlights of the new book he has written with colleague Paul Napper, The Power of Agency: The Seven Principles to Conquer Obstacles, Make Effective Decisions, and Create a Life on Your Own Terms.

THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF SUBSTANCE USE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION

Healthy adults are usually able to control their impulses when necessary, because these impulses are balanced by the judgment and decision-making circuits of the prefrontal cortex. Unfortunately, these prefrontal circuits are also disrupted in substance use disorders. The result is a reduced ability to control the powerful impulses toward alcohol or drug use despite awareness that stopping is in the person’s best long-term interest.

TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR DESTINY (BRAIN SCIENCE 101)

When we are emotionally triggered, we generally don't make the best decisions… Coined by Daniel Goleman, this expression refers to a sudden emotional flooding that is disproportionate to the actual stimulus.