Deep Thoughts: Reason vs Emotion, who saves the day?

Emotion: CHIPSSSSSSS *jumps in excitement and directs the eyes to the precious goods. The vendor notices the longing and starts running to a potential customer.

Reason: STOPP! No! No Chips.

Emotion: Why? I want chips. We haven’t gotten any in a long while. Thanks to you.

Reason: We are on a budget.

Emotion: You and this budget. The budget this budget that. You know I have worked hard, I deserve it. I need some!

Reason: You’ve forgotten we are going to change the world. And we need money to do so. Don’t you want to change the world again? We can’t waste any money.

Emotion: I do…I want to change the world… but are you saying just N100 is going to affect the money we need? That’s just not fair. We can spare N100. See? There is even change in the bag waiting to be spent. Let’s buy some chips.

Reason: No! For every chip, we can buy soap, toothpaste, tissue, and credit. If you want to buy something so bad, buy a fruit or some carrots. You know what, let’s buy an apple later. You definitely have worked hard this week. You don’t want to spend your reward on these plantain chips that are not even so healthy thanks to the way it is processed. And that reminds me, there is a lot of plantain at home. We can make our own healthy chips or come up with something really nice. Let’s look up recipes for plantain foods.

The vendor sweating finally reaches the bus/car I am in. I look longingly at the chips for the last time and solemnly shake my head no. He is unaware of what just played in my head in the seconds it took for him to get to me. Only if he knew, he would have killed Reason.

This week has been really tough getting over my chips addiction but it has been a learning process for me. I have seen that besides shopaholism of any kind; this process of reasoning can be applied to battle other things such as procrastination, oversleeping, laziness, impulsive buys (What I call IBs), etc.

I learned that what would make Reason always win is one; have a target, a goal that appeals to your Emotions. For instance, I have a goal to save as much money to do something before the year runs out and it is something that appeals to my emotions. My emotions actually like the idea that what I need the money for would change the world (so thank me later when I do).

Secondly, make a compensation offer: A strong offer that will superimpose the current cravings goes a long way in redirecting one’s thoughts and focus. Previously I had been craving apples but knowing I couldn’t get apples right there, Reason suggested it distract me from the chips. Also, experimental cooking drives and excites my emotions. Putting that on the table was what sealed the whole package. I actually tried out making my own chips when I got home and I found fulfillment googling how to make it healthy which kept me busy all through the trip without redirecting my thoughts to buying.

Yep! Reason saved the day four times this week. One up for reason! And I ended up saving N400 which I used in buying the toiletries I needed.

Does this mean Reason is always winning? No, I do have IBs. IBs are totally controlled by Emotions but thanks to Reason once again, they revolve around healthy foods and fruits, seed sowing and of course natural hair products. So I don’t indulge at all? Not true. I do indulge but I do it within the budget. In fact, Indulgence Reward (IR) is netted out for when I keep to a previous budget. This keeps Emotion in check and every moment of the experience is so worth it as I know I truly deserve it.

Reason needs to keep saving the day if we want to be successful in most aspects of our lives, I could say the only place emotions should play a role is, is in love. Definitely, won’t want reason dictating my romance. It would be such a drag.

I know you do have your own battles between reason and emotion. Please do share and comment on who won between them. There is room for learning more techniques in giving Reason the upper hand. See you next week.

Jaa Mata!