This is a place for displaying some concepts of the Sherpa System.
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The Lizard Brain
and the Executive Brain
We have two parts of our brains. The rational, but slower Executive Brain, and the reactive, but very fast Lizard Brain. The Lizard Brain is the primitive part of our brains that evolved before our first mammal ancestors skittered around the feet of the dinosaurs. If it wasn’t for the Lizard Brain our early ancestors wouldn’t have survived and you wouldn’t be reading this now!
The human brain contains not one but two decision-making systems. The first is the executive brain. This is the conscious part of your brain that thinks logically and reasons through problems.
The other is the lizard brain. This is a reactive decision-making mechanism, which is more of a liability in a modern business setting. Instead of relying on logic, it relies on past experience. That’s why you may sometimes feel comfortable or uncomfortable with someone the moment you meet them. Something about them reminds your lizard brain of somebody else.
FACTS:
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The lizard brain works quickly, but it is a crude instrument.
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The executive brain works slowly, but is more powerful.
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Both are essential for our success.
Imagine you’re a caveman trying to start a fire. Your executive brain is at work. But there’s a rustle in the bushes. Instinctively, you look to see if it’s a saber-toothed tiger. That’s your lizard brain.
As you might imagine, our ancestors wouldn’t have survived for long without functioning lizard brains. Our brains have evolved to make snap judgements.
In business, this can be a bad thing. You’re in the middle of a strategy session and you receive an email; you have an immediate urge to respond. But your lizard brain can also be a powerful tool in life-or-death situations.
SOLUTIONS:
When you commit to deep work, really commit to it. Put your phone on “Do-not-Disturb” and avoid distractions.
If at all possible, don't make decisions in The Storm, especially about what to focus on.
Stick to your intentions for the day; don't let your lizard brain rule your schedule.
“Slow thinking has the feeling of something you do. It's deliberate.”
– Daniel Kahneman, Nobel prize winner
