Conscious Life Over Subconscious Autopilot

Ever feel like you’re on autopilot? Early experiences can act as subconscious drivers, making us behave in ways we can’t explain. 

By becoming self-aware, we can better understand our silent drivers so we can consciously rewrite our stories and build new habits. 

A NeuroLaunch article notes, “At the heart of autopilot mode lies the distinction between automatic and controlled processing. Automatic processing is like cruise control for your brain – it’s fast, effortless, and doesn’t require much attention. On the flip side, controlled processing is more like navigating a tricky mountain road – it demands focus, effort, and conscious thought.”

Autopilot can be wonderful and efficient (driving, brushing teeth), but not when it has us repeating unhealthy patterns, lashing out, thinking negatively about ourselves, missing moments around us, or when we’re unable to steer ourselves in the direction we’d like to take. 

Awareness is one of the most powerful tools. Once we identify it, we can challenge it. 

We can move towards being empowered, mindful, present, and liberated from drivers we didn’t choose. It takes more effort and rewriting, but the rewards are sweet.