Our genetic programming tells us to fit in and be popular. When you dare to be different, you go against your evolutionary programming. As caveman running around in the plains of Africa, we needed to fit in a be liked. It was a big deal if you got kicked out of the clan. Your chances of survival dimished rapidly if you were shunned by the tribal group.
Our old brain still reacts as it did then. Even though we have the prefontal cortex which is more developed than our old brain, the caveman (or chimp brain or lizard brain) still reacts to threat as it did back then.
Modern day threat still activates the amygdala and the hypothalamus and prepares our body for fight, flight or freeze mode. When we dare to be different, we activate our amygdala and hypothalamus.
You will feel adrenalin when you dare to be different and stand out. However, this is the time when you need to remind yourself that even though your body is responding as if there is a real threat (anxiety), you aren;t in any real danger.
Dare to be different – this activates new neural pathways and will boost your confidence in the long run. Don’t be afraid to stand out. be tru to yourself and stand up for what’s important to you.
Dare to go against the grain and stop caring about what other’s think. Feel free and live your best life.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
