Are there so much difference between them?Many times we think that some things have to be decided with a cold head and not with the heart, thinking that with this we will make the right decision, it is as if we have to face every day two mental visions capable of completely interfering with our reality.
In a way, that’s the case. No one acts or decides only for their emotions or for the exclusive filter composed of the coldest, most objective and rational logic. Our brain, in fact, is a hyperconnected organ, in which any area and structure has connection with others.
- Thus.
- The prefrontal cortex (linked to the most complex executive functions.
- Based on analysis.
- Attention and reflection) maintains a constant connection with these deeper areas of the brain related to emotions.
- So the world of affections and feelings is present in every decision.
- And.
- In turn.
- In every thoughtful and thoughtful choice.
- It is possible to find the trace of emotions.
However, despite the existence of this bridge in which information between one sphere and the other is constant, there is one peculiarity that we cannot ignore: emotions always prevail. The human being is first and foremost an emotional creature, and this puts us at various crossroads.
“Perhaps the most essential thing we can do as human beings every day of our lives is to remind ourselves, and others, of our complexity, our fragility, our finiteness, and our uniqueness. ” Antonio R. Damasio-
Emotional decisions have a bad reputation. It is as if, letting ourselves be carried away by this first impulse, by necessity (supposedly helpless) or by intuition, we are driven to error.
However ironic it may seem, most of the choices we make in our daily lives are mediated by them, by these emotions that guide and influence almost completely our behavior.
We must admit that acting does not necessarily lead us to error, emotions are catalysts in our relationships, encourage us to connect with people, and also allow us to make decisions in different areas so that preferences, personality and needs are synchronized.
After all, emotions only want our homeostasis, they want to guarantee our inner balance and, of course, our survival.
In addition, there is already a trend in academia that leads us to correct the misconception that emotional decisions are linked to irrational acts.
Studies such as those conducted at Columbia University by Dr. Michel Puan indicate that we should stop looking at the emotional and rational separately, i. e. emotions can also be logical and rational.
However, there are clear and obvious exceptions. At certain times we make decisions based on unfavorable emotional states, it is those moments when there is no internal homeostasis, but an unresolved problem, a need, an unmet need, that leads us to make incorrect decisions. This.
We must be aware of one thing: the best decisions are made when we combine logic and emotion, so for this pact between them to be made effectively, we need our emotions to be on our side, but that does not always happen, because there are states that restrict us, that limit our mental vision.
As the renowned scientist Antonio Damasio points out, emotions are not on the dark side of reason, in fact, they are an indispensable part of every decision we make and therefore we must be fully aware of them.
If we understand them, if we manage them, if we face their challenges in moments of discouragement or concern, they will be our best allies.
Decisions are the rhythm that determines our paths. It is true that some will be more wrong and others more correct, but the most important thing is not to act on impulse. It is harmonizing needs with desires, experience with intuition. Emotion and reason can never be separated, because these are the engines that can bring us closer to our happiness.