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Jan. 8th, 2016 01:16 pmDecisions have to made slowly because emotions lag. Nobody would question that if you are shaking from adrenaline after an assault that you were "shaken up," and new a few moments or more to compose yourself. This likely depends on how used to being charged with adrenaline you are, like being drunk, able to process through the haze of the effects of the chemicals in your bloodstream and how they affect the way you think and act.
Are emotions any different? Are emotions chemical? What is a neurochemical feeling? How long does it take to dissipate?
Despite my decades old psyc degree, I haven't much of a clue. From my own experience, I know I am likely to make decisions in an emotional state that are highly subject to disagreement later (i.e. mistakes). I may know what I feel but I do not always know why.
Sometimes I can be locked down - depends on whether I am in a situation I recognize in which my emotions are to be suspected, or I realize my thoughts are not logical or likely accurate upon reflection. Being "on guard" is good for this. You got to your family's t-day feast and are ready to hold your tongue, for instance, or you have a job interview where the interviewer is so friendly you want to hit happy hour with them - but based on experience you know the apparent friendliness is highly unlikely to be real or lead to the job.
There is a job open at one of the financial Agencies that tops a salary about 100k more than I make. I've shunned the GS-15 because even at the top, the pay is not substantially more than what I make now, while my work gives me tremendous freedom. Tremendous obligations, but ones that drive me to work hard - not having to often perform on cue. This job would be potentially a lower position, but back in management. I hate to give away my financial status, but 100k is not something I would not appreciate.
But I don't think I want the job. I don't trust my current emotional state, however. I'm sad about my house and reeling with feelings like insecurity as I am torn between 3 houses I don't live in: my Arlington condo of dust buffalo and boxes meant to move ever, notahouse in DC, and my girlfriend's place by the zoo (which is ruled by a cat) (Sir). How much of my lack of interest is based on that? How much is sheer laziness, as the growth curve would be steep? How much is my actual lack of materialism?
That's just one decision. I need to work on it. My overall point is advice I guess, or just an anecdote, even a solicitation for other views: Decisions have to take time because emotions are transient and often change without known reason.
Are emotions any different? Are emotions chemical? What is a neurochemical feeling? How long does it take to dissipate?
Despite my decades old psyc degree, I haven't much of a clue. From my own experience, I know I am likely to make decisions in an emotional state that are highly subject to disagreement later (i.e. mistakes). I may know what I feel but I do not always know why.
Sometimes I can be locked down - depends on whether I am in a situation I recognize in which my emotions are to be suspected, or I realize my thoughts are not logical or likely accurate upon reflection. Being "on guard" is good for this. You got to your family's t-day feast and are ready to hold your tongue, for instance, or you have a job interview where the interviewer is so friendly you want to hit happy hour with them - but based on experience you know the apparent friendliness is highly unlikely to be real or lead to the job.
There is a job open at one of the financial Agencies that tops a salary about 100k more than I make. I've shunned the GS-15 because even at the top, the pay is not substantially more than what I make now, while my work gives me tremendous freedom. Tremendous obligations, but ones that drive me to work hard - not having to often perform on cue. This job would be potentially a lower position, but back in management. I hate to give away my financial status, but 100k is not something I would not appreciate.
But I don't think I want the job. I don't trust my current emotional state, however. I'm sad about my house and reeling with feelings like insecurity as I am torn between 3 houses I don't live in: my Arlington condo of dust buffalo and boxes meant to move ever, notahouse in DC, and my girlfriend's place by the zoo (which is ruled by a cat) (Sir). How much of my lack of interest is based on that? How much is sheer laziness, as the growth curve would be steep? How much is my actual lack of materialism?
That's just one decision. I need to work on it. My overall point is advice I guess, or just an anecdote, even a solicitation for other views: Decisions have to take time because emotions are transient and often change without known reason.
