How natural leaders control their mind

Natural leaders benefit from their emotional system, without becoming a victim of it. In one way or another they manage to show emotions, without being aggressive or over emotional. Even under pressure. This vulnerability makes us trust them and makes us want to connect with them. The key to engagement. How they do this? They train their thinking brain.

This blog is all about how you can train your thinking brain. The part of your brain that manages self control. The strategies I suggest help you in staying emotionally stable. As a result they are a natural prevention for burnout, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, …

In my previous blog I wrote about the well trained prefrontal cortex of natural leaders. How strengthening that part of the brain helps them staying emotionally balanced, even under great stress.

Click here if you want more information on what really happens with your brain when you become over emotional or aggressive. The Amygdala Hijack.

The more developed your prefrontal cortex, the less you get hijacked.

Here’s how to strengthen your thinking brain. I’ll give you 3 strategies each week.

Strategies for coping with an Amygdala Hijack

Part 2

Remember the 6-second rule. It takes the chemicals that are released during an amygdala hijacking about 6 seconds to dissipate. Take 6 seconds to take 6 deep breaths or focus on something funny you heard (anything that will help you focus on something else) until the initial overreaction reduces.

Count your blessings. It is hard to be in two emotional states at the same time, and gratitude counters an amygdala hijack. It is not always easy to appreciate the person who is the source of your reaction conflict, so focus on other parts of your own life, such as your family and friends. People who cultivate an attitude of daily gratitude see their stress hormone cortisol reduced by 23%.

Stop negative self talk. Listen to what you are saying to yourself. If you hear yourself saying things like “I’m not worth it.”, “I can’t do this”, “They won’t listen to me.”, “He doesn’t value me.”I should have prepared better.” , “This is always happening to me.”, ” I will never get this right.” , ” She doesn’t trust me.” , be sure that you are heading for an amygdala hijack. Ask yourself if what you are saying is true. Do you have facts that prove that the negative things you say to yourself are correct? Are you 100% sure that what you think others think about you is actually what they think? Of course not! Snap out of it!

Click here for last weeks strategies.
Part 1: Stop and breathe – Observe the situation – Say what is going on.

Find out by doing this free SELF – TEST

P.S.: Leadership Road to Freedom open training on the 30th of March. For more info and registration click here. Strengthening of your prefrontal cortex guaranteed!