Experiential Rationalization: Why We Justify Our Decisions & Actions Based On Past Experiences

In this episode, Clarissa, a 36 year old hairdresser from a small Midwestern town, struggles to find her place in the world amidst her family's criticism and judgements while navigating the power dynamics of experiential rationalization. Self-doubt. We often wear her blanket of insecurity like a well-worn and bloodied shield. Her insidious torment, a thunderous echoing in our ears. You have probably heard them - the millions of questions that sometimes filter through our mental framing as we consider everything that might have gone wrong within a scenario.  When faced with the inherent challenges of life, we each tend to search for the safety and security discovered in our blankets of certainty - feeling as it our past experiences provide an accurate insight into our state of being. Yet unconscious, the often story changes….and our emotions tell a different story. Stories base on how we relate our present perspectives compared to the past. Therefore - our stories…are incorrect.  In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the significance of experiential rationalization in shaping your decisions and actions. Hone your emotional self-regulation skills through introspection and receptive feedback. Rise above detrimental influences for an enriched path to personal growth. Confront cognitive biases to arrive at impartial decision-making. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Acknowledge and accept both the positive and negative aspects of your past experiences, without using them to justify future decisions. Focus on evidence-based decision-making rather than relying solely on your emotions or past experiences. Recognize that your past experiences do not define your future decisions, but can provide context for growth and learning. Continuously work on improving your self-awareness and emotional self-regulation through meditation, therapy, or other personal growth practices. Dissociation and Self-Reflection When faced with stressful situations or unacknowledged emotions, individuals may resort to dissociation as a means of coping. While this unconscious behavior allows them to temporarily escape from their emotional struggles, it ultimately hinders their self-discovery and personal growth. To overcome dissociation, individuals should practice self-reflection and seek feedback from empathetic sources who can provide valuable perspectives on their potential blind spots.  By taking a conscious effort to understand their triggers and remaining present, people can gradually shift towards healthier emotional self-regulation. Jeffrey Besecker shared the story of Clarissa, a woman who struggled with dissociation as a result of her difficult experiences. He emphasized that acknowledging and addressing one's dissociative tendencies is crucial in reconnecting with one's true self.  In a conversation with transformational coach, Hoda Zekavat, Besecker discussed the importance of a non-judgmental approach to managing dissociation, taking note of patterns and practicing self-compassion to encourage positive change. Related Episodes: Shadow Integration: Removing Emotional Baggage to Release False Beliefs with Hoda Zekavat From Hamsters to Happiness: How to Ditch The Hedonic Treadmill of Dissatisfaction The Autonomic Ladder: Unlock Your Natural Inner Power w/ John Eli Garay Credits: JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside Featured Guests: Hoda Zekavat Chandra Lynn Kate Dudzik Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio Senior Program Director: Anna Getz Resources: Individual differences in intuitive–experiential and analytical–rational thinking styles https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/1996-06400-015 Gut feelings, deliberative thought, and paranoid ideation: A study of experiential and rational reasoning https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178111008158