Entertaining Brain Hack

Written and accurate as at: 10 February 2012

While Bobby’s movements are aligned to our unconscious expectations, we can hum along. But when he surprises us, we are forced into an unconscious reaction. When the surprise is not threatening, we laugh. However, when the surprise is considered threatening, we typically react defensively using denial, anger, withdrawal or some other protective technique.

When it comes to money, a poor investment performance, over-spending, loss of a job, are all events that may come as a surprise and feel threatening, and fairly so. What’s more important though is to keep cool when the unexpected arrives, and use it as an opportunity to discuss expectations and determine if your expectations were reasonable in the first place. For example, expecting an Owl to swim like a Dolphin will leave you dissapointed!