Some Of The Brains Default Positions - I) Threat Response Dominates Reward

The brain needs to feel safe and secure; it is concerned about perceived threats, especially if aimed at status. This is why asking 'why' questions, seeking feedback, solving others' problems, etc can be perceived as threats.

NB The perceived threats are subjective, ie as seen 'through the eyes of the beholder'

If you feel under threat, there is a tendency to be 'hawkish', ie fight rather than flight/flee or freeze.

How words are used, ie framing, can create a perception. For example, the word used to describe people who come to Australia in boats can very quickly create different perceptions. These people can be described in 1 of 9 ways, ie

i) asylum seekers (generates compassion)

ii) refugees (generates universal sympathy)

iii) boat people (non-descriptive term)

iv) political refugees (polarises emotions)

v) political asylum seekers (greater polarisation of emotions)

vi) queue jumpers (lack of sympathy)

vii) illegal asylum seekers (universal lack of sympathy)

viii) potential terrorists (universal concern)

ix) terrorists (universal alarm)

If these people are described by the words early in the list, there is more sympathy, etc for them than when they are described by the later language options.
(for more detail, see elsewhere in the Knowledge Base)

Need to minimise threats/dangers and maximise rewards, ie move away from threats and move towards rewards, ie things which are interesting, pleasurable, important, etc) so that you are more productive, live longer.

Furthermore, the rewards response involves increasing levels of 'good' neuro-chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin (bonding hormone), testosterone, etc which lowers stress levels, etc. These good neuro-chemicals are known to increase performance, productivity, improve immune functioning, lower absenteeism, etc. At the same time, it lowers the levels of the neuro-chemicals that are produced to handle stress, like cortisol, epinephrine, adrenaline, etc as part of the 'flight/flee/fight/freeze' mechanism. These latter neuro-chemicals are okay in short bursts to protect life against some immediate threat. However, yhey are harmful if at chronic levels and can increase the risk of auto-immune-related conditions, cardiac health issues, etc.

Techniques that can help include relaxation techniques like

- meditation

- exercise

- deep breathing

- yoga

- reading

It is important to create a work environment that reduces stress and increases passion around what you are doing.