How To Get Your Conscious Mind In the Driver's Seat and Create Control In Your Life

Often times, we're at the mercy of our emotions. But the most successful people in the world know where these emotions come from, why they happen and can use that awareness to manage and control their reactions. Here's how you can do it, too

- Amy M Chambers

Have you ever felt wronged? Maybe your boss gave you an unfair review, your best friend consistently shows up late to meet you for dinner or a random stranger cuts you off in traffic. It's not uncommon to feel anger, hurt or annoyance in our daily lives and many of us feel like we're at the mercy of those emotions.

But what if you knew there was something you could do about those emotions that wash over you? There is, and it starts with understanding how our brains work.

All our brains have both a subconscious and conscious component. Our subconscious minds do an incredible job of helping us through life. It's been estimated that our subconscious minds process information at a rate approximately 500 times faster than our conscious minds.

When we instinctively stop at a red light or pull away from a hot stove instantly, that's our subconscious mind at work. Our subconscious mind basically does two things. First, it runs old programs we've taught it, automating much of our day. Second, it works to protect us and keep us safe. While this is tremendously helpful, the subconscious mind has its drawbacks. For us to be successful in life, it's important we're aware of these differences, so let's break it down.

Subconscious vs. conscious

Our subconscious can mislead us to feel emotions that aren't helpful for us. It doesn't want us to be uncomfortable, suffer or hurt. Sometimes, when we feel anger over something that is happening to" us, it's really our subconscious mind encouraging us to play the victim. Since it's easier and often feels better to blame others or external circumstances for our problems or struggles, the subconscious readily helps us do that.