What are they, and how to manage the blockages and fears that limit our success?
On the fascinating path to personal and professional success, there is a silent enemy that often gets in the way: blockages and fears. But don't worry, we're going to approach it from a neuropsychoeducational analysis and, as a good comedian would say, with a smile because it also helps the brain!
Blockages and fears: What are they really?
Emotional blocks and fears are no more than biological responses designed to protect us. Our brain, in its infinite evolutionary wisdom, is equipped with an early warning system: the amygdala. This structure in the limbic system detects threats and activates a fight, flight, or freezing response.
The problem arises when our brain confuses modern challenges (such as public speaking or starting a new business) with real threats (such as being chased by a lion in the Savannah). Result? Sweating, intrusive thoughts, and an inner voice that whispers: “Better not try.”
What does neuroscience say?
When we are blocked, there is a short circuit between the amygdala and the prefrontal lobe, which is responsible for rational decision-making and long-term planning. This phenomenon not only paralyzes our action, but also encourages a negative internal dialogue.
For example, a study cited in the brain and behavior points out that overstimulation of the amygdala reduces neuronal plasticity, that is, the brain's ability to adapt and learn.
The impact on our lives
Blockages not only affect our performance, but also influence how we perceive ourselves. We become our own relentless judge, self-evaluating with a negative bias that limits our potential.
Strategies to manage them
Now let's go to the practical part: how to tame this alarm system that sometimes goes too protective?
1. Understand the origin of fear
Before facing a blockage, ask yourself: what is causing it? Often, these fears are anchored in experiences or in narratives that we have adopted over time. A good exercise is to write about that fear: what does it tell you? When did it start?
2. Practice neuroplasticity
Repetition is key to training your brain to respond differently. Gradually exposing yourself to what you fear (in a controlled way) teaches your tonsil that the situation is not dangerous.
3. Involves your prefrontal cortex
Use emotional regulation strategies such as cognitive restructuring. How to do it? Rethink your automatic thoughts: instead of “I'm going to fail,” try “this is an opportunity to learn.”
4. Use conscious breathing
Techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing send calm signals to the nervous system, activating the parasympathetic system and reducing the fight or flight response.
5. Set small and achievable goals
Dividing a big challenge into small steps reduces the feeling of threat and increases confidence in your skills. Each small achievement reinforces new neural connections related to success.
6. Run on emotional neuropsychoeducation
To understand that emotions, although uncomfortable, are fleeting, and that you can manage them with practices such as gratitude, strengthens emotional resilience.
A little humor for the road
Instead of seeing the blockages as immovable obstacles, imagine that they are like that clumsy friend who insists on helping you, but always ends up complicating everything. With affection, but firmly, you can tell him: “Thank you, protective brain, but I'll take care of it.”
Final reflection
Remember, managing blockages and fears does not mean eliminating them completely. These exist for a reason; however, we can train our mind to work in our favor, not against us. The road to success is not about not being afraid, but about learning to walk with him as one more companion.
The next time you feel that knot in your stomach or that voice that says, “you can't do it,” breathe, rethink and move on. But how would Elsa Punset say? “In a light backpack fits everything you need to understand and manage the reality that surrounds you.” And you, dear reader, have all the tools to achieve it. To succeed!
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