Research shows that when we live in harmony with what inspires us, our activities become more productive. We become more active, diligent, and creative. In other words, it's much easier for us to succeed.
Think about what success really is? Society could define it in terms of money or property. But does material matter if you are not really satisfied with your activities? True success is something related to a person's activity, his achievements in personal and professional spheres.
Here's some information about what's going on in your brain and body, depending on whether your activity inspires you or not.
Living in accordance with life values
Behaviorist Dr. John DeMartini recently discovered that we all have a unique set of values that play a significant role in guiding our behavior and self-perception. He came to the conclusion that all our positive and negative emotions are a feedback system in order to understand whether we are living in accordance with our value system. They are the things that really matter to us in life.
DeMartini found that when we move away from our values, we are more prone to additive behavior, self-destruction, creating difficulties for ourselves. When we adhere to a value system, our memory works better, we are more focused and productive.
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Our brain has a division called the reticular activating system that constantly filters information according to our hierarchy of values. Take, for example, a husband and wife walking down the street. If for a man, first of all, relationships are important, and a woman loves animals very much, then the husband will initially notice the couple holding hands, and the wife will pay attention to the man with the dog.
Our brain is constantly working for our value system!
Creativity
Creative magic is manifested when you have achieved a cognitive resonance between the conscious and the unconscious. This resonance plays an important role in the course of your life. When you do not live in accordance with values, you inevitably find yourself in an internal conflict, since your consciousness and subconscious are not in agreement.
Dr. Kahn from the University of Arizona found that a person is much more likely to become creative if his mind is open to new things and his mood is uplifted. By doing what inspires us, we achieve both of these things.
Inspiration against despair
Dr. DeMartini also describes two main driving forces that drive a person. He says that either inspiration or despair is the motivator.
Despair comes from fear-based thoughts, and the people who are guided by them constantly seek to avoid pain. They are more likely to succumb to difficulties and give up when a problem approaches.
Sources of inspiration are love and authenticity. Inspired, “we are more likely to handle the pain and enjoy achieving our goals” (Dr. DeMartini). We see a more complete picture in this case and are able to overcome obstacles to success.
Openness versus isolation
When we are truly inspired by the road to a goal, our perception changes. We're less likely to treat failure as failure because we’re too busy seeing it as opportunities for growth. This plays an important role in overcoming biases that are programmed in the subconscious.
In addition, researchers Schnell, Brandstatter and Knopfel conducted an experiment that showed that people are more open when they are doing something that inspires them.
In other words, we are more likely to be prepared for the difficulties that arise if we enjoy what we do. It is also more likely that the fear of the unknown will be replaced by curiosity, which will definitely improve the learning process.
Neurochemical reaction and our body
Mind and body are closely related. When we participate in an activity or learning that we like, the brain produces more serotonin and dopamine. The concentration of these hormones increases when a person is busy with something interesting to him. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for activity, memory, feelings of satisfaction, and motivation. Serotonin is important for good mood, appetite, transmission of impulses to nerve cells.
When we are engaged in activities that we perceive as a threat to our values, we produce higher doses of cortisol and substance P. The former is commonly known as a stress-related hormone, and substance P is responsible for transmitting pain information to the brain.
Over time, we find ourselves either elated or depleted of hormones produced by the brain and affecting the entire body.
Self-assessment
When you are sincere and open, your self-esteem rises because you have accepted your uniqueness and the things you value. You are more likely to believe in yourself, be calm under pressure, and express your opinion when doing what interests you.
When you live outside your values, your subconscious mind sends a signal that you are not worthy of being who you are. The negative feelings that come with low self-esteem are a feedback signal, telling you to stop denying what is important to you.
Self-realization of a person is mainly related to the ability to set and achieve internal goals.
Change won't happen overnight
Remember, it takes time to make lasting changes for the better. While the information above will resonate with you, a smooth transition requires consistency, patience, and persistence. The right steps contribute to making the goal a reality.
1. Define your goals. If money had no value, what would you like to do for the rest of your life? You can always find a way to turn your dreams into money.
2. Do your research and make a plan. What steps need to be taken? How much money to save? How much time should you devote to this weekly? If it really matters, you will move towards your goal and achieve success. Creating a timeline is also helpful.
3. Connect your current work with your values. Instead of resisting what is currently making you work, simply assess the benefits it brings to your long-term plan. Seeing the benefits of your current job will help you move more vigorously and productively towards your goals.
You may need to work 10 hours a week more to fulfill your desires. But doing your dream job will give you strength and meaning in life.
Remember that sometimes you have to do the right thing while you can't do what you want to do.