14/10/2024
Cognitive bypassing occurs when we try to avoid uncomfortable feelings, difficult issues, or things we just don't want to do by trying to think them to death. After all, if we chew on something for long enough, the answer will emerge: we'll have the solution, gain the motivation, and finally feel confident...right?
They say that "research is me-search," so it's probably no surprise that I've been drawn to this topic. It was a real breakthrough for me when I fully understood that this was a form of avoidance coping. That at a certain point I was no longer learning, gathering resources, and preparing myself to act - I was just procrastinating.
This is made more difficult by the nature of the brain itself. Dopamine is often thought of as the "pleasure chemical," but it's really the *anticipation chemical.* When we think about doing something we experience a dopamine rush of associated with anticipating all the possibilities...but without ever experiencing the satisfaction of accomplishment. This can create intensifying cycles of craving and disappointment. Rumination is literally addictive.
Reflection and planning have their place, but it's the translation of thoughts into actions that leads to a sense of accomplishment, increased self-efficacy, and overall life satisfaction. There's no substitute for doing.
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