In everyday life, we are constantly making decisions—from choosing what to have for breakfast to deciding whether to change jobs. These decisions may seem simple, yet they are often deeply influenced by our subconscious.

So, how exactly does the subconscious play a role in our decision-making?

The subconscious is a channel in our brain that processes information quickly and automatically. When we face a decision, it responds based on our experiences, emotions, and instincts—often faster than our conscious thought. As a result, the subconscious plays a significant role in shaping our choices.

First, the subconscious can rapidly process vast amounts of information and closely link emotional responses to decisions. For example, when choosing a product, we might feel an immediate impulse to buy it without deliberate thought—this is the subconscious at work.

Secondly, our past experiences and memories leave lasting imprints that shape the subconscious. Everyone’s upbringing leaves imprints on the subconscious, forming certain cognitive patterns. For instance, if we’ve experienced a particular kind of failure before, our subconscious might automatically carry that negative experience into similar future decisions, influencing our choices.

However, the subconscious doesn’t always lead to rational decisions. Sometimes, it is swayed by biases, outdated information, or false beliefs, which can cause us to make unwise or mistaken choices. This is why it’s crucial to understand how the subconscious affects us and to develop the ability to recognize its influence when making decisions.

How to Improve Self-Awareness?

1. Daily Mindfulness Practice

Mindfulness helps strengthen self-awareness. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness for just 10 minutes a day not only improves emotional regulation but also enhances the brain’s ability to manage emotional responses. By practicing mindfulness, we can become more aware of our thoughts and emotional reactions, enabling us to make more rational decisions.

2. The Three-Dimensional Journaling Method

This is a powerful tool for self-awareness, involving journaling from three perspectives: cognition, emotion, and body. On the cognitive level, record situations that trigger negative emotions and analyze whether recurring negative automatic thoughts are present. On the emotional level, note daily mood fluctuations and their causes. On the physical level, pay attention to bodily reactions such as tension or anxiety. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of why we make certain decisions.

3. Cognitive Deconstruction and Continuous Questioning

When we notice automatic negative thoughts, we can use cognitive deconstruction and persistent questioning to uncover their roots. For example, if we constantly worry about our child’s academic performance, we might ask ourselves: “What does it mean if my child doesn’t perform well? What does that mean for me?” By probing further, we can identify the core motivations in our thinking, better understand our needs and emotions, and ultimately make more rational decisions.

4. Observe Recurring Patterns in Life

Self-awareness also involves recognizing repeated patterns in our lives. Do we often find ourselves in conflict with a certain type of person? Do we frequently agree to things we don’t want to do out of fear of rejection, only to feel resentful afterward? Observing these patterns can help us trace their origins and work toward breaking harmful behavioral habits.

Self-Awareness as the Foundation of Personal Growth:

By understanding our behaviors and thoughts on a deeper level, we can recognize the influence of the subconscious and learn to make wiser decisions. Although developing self-awareness is an ongoing and gradual process, with consistent practice and reflection, we can sharpen this ability and reduce the negative effects of subconscious influence in our decision-making.