Why Do Smart People Make Bad Decisions?

Everyone makes bad decisions sometimes–even the smartest people we know! But why is that? Why do even smart people make bad decisions? The simple answer: It can be due to your nervous system’s freeze response–and the freeze response doesn’t discriminate based on your level of intelligence. If you’re interested in learning more about the psychology behind bad decision making and how to overcome the freeze response, then keep reading.
 

One explanation is that experiencing overwhelm can lead to a freeze state. And even the smartest of us experience overwhelm from time to time. This freeze state can be helpful in protecting ourselves from the discomfort present. It is a survival mode of sorts. However, in this state, the rational part of our minds do not operate at full capacity. Which makes it harder for us to make informed, true to us decisions. 

When our nervous systems move into this freeze response, we are far easier to influence then we typically would be. This is because when we’re in survival mode, we will obey orders as an attempt at survival. Obeying these orders or making these decisions while operating at a lower capacity is not a conscious choice. We’re wired this way for our protection. And that’s why even the smartest people you know still make bad decisions.
 

Fortunately, we can all reclaim power and authority over our decisions to reduce the amount of bad decisions we make. To do this, we must slowly and gently connect with our nervous systems. We have to show our physiology that it is safe and supported in order for the reasoning part of our brains to become the more dominant decision maker. Once we start creating this safe space for ourselves and nourishing our minds, our rational brain comes back online. Over time, the more emotional and protective parts of us receive the nourishment they needed all along and will no longer drive the majority of our decisions. 

A holistic approach involving limbic system(emotional brain) retraining, somatic work, and nourishment on a cellular level are ideal in shifting out of bad habits. These holistic approaches will also help you move through your experiences with clarity so that you can make better, more authentic decisions for yourself. 

If you feel as if you have been living in a chronic state of disconnect and low energy, it’s possible that some of the choices you’ve made in the past weren’t made from a place of clarity and confidence. If you would like to learn more about what’s happening in your physiology and how to better support it so that you can make more aligned decisions, but don’t know where to begin, I would love to personally guide you. I just launched my nervous system reset and the doors are open for a limited time. Click here to learn more. If you’re not ready to make a long term commitment but would like to continue learning and stay in touch, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.