I wanted to start the year by encouraging all to be rational and challenge their irrationality.

According to Robert Greene's Laws of Human Nature, "Rational people make decisions based on the long term as well, while irrational people think short term. For example, in seeking a job, the irrational person thinks about how much money they can make, while the rational person looks for jobs that fit their long-term goals."

I have not started reading this book, but it is on my 2020 reading list. I came up with the idea of sharing this law of irrationality on my own, only to discover that Mr. Greene had composed a book that addressed the same topic. I found this quote online and had to share it because it aligns perfectly with the message of this post.

So, let's explore rationality.

To be rational means you are able to think before you react or respond to any situation. Your willingness to feel contributes to a response not consumed with emotion. You give yourself the chance to answer objectively.

To be irrational is to respond solely based on emotion. Per Mr. Greene, the most significant difference between being rational and irrational is a split second. A moment in time when you either decide to react or think.

As simple as that is put, being rational is not natural for many; it must be consciously worked on to achieve. It has its challenges because those individuals who refuse to practice being rational actively can't process why their choices yield undesirable results. In other words, action without thought (rational thought) yields undesired circumstances. Only those who choose to think in that split second allow themselves to explore and understand why their response may have been inappropriate.

I have encountered several stories of individuals who can't seem to understand why they are repeatedly in situations where they are seeking or needing help. It is not that asking for help is wrong (or a bad thing), but the frequency at which you find yourself needing help, if properly assessed, will tell you that you are making not-so-great choices with unrealistic expectations.

Combat this by BECOMING MORE RATIONAL!

According to Mr. Robert Greene, irrationality can be overcome by practicing three things.

The first is meditation. Meditation allows you to reflect on a response before action. I meditate by allowing myself to sit in silence. There is no yoga or breathing, just silence. Although I intend to clear my mind, I encounter thoughts that frequently bother me. So, I revisit them, exploring what still plagues me. Ultimately, I conclude why or why not I handled a situation appropriately or inappropriately. I, too, consider what I need to do moving forward. I choose to change or not change a response (reaction) based on a desired outcome.

The second thing Mr. Greene stated needed to be practiced to overcome irrationality is journaling (which I do a lot of). As you write, you can reflect on your emotions during a given situation and understand why your initial response may have been inappropriate. You can also identify if you need to apologize for inaction or inappropriate action or simply learn from your mistake and apply your lesson moving forward.

The third and final thing Mr. Greene suggests that you practice to combat irrationality is accepting the notion that you can not change people! Understanding this allows you to accept individual differences and check your unrealistic expectations. I know I speak about this a lot, which suggests that I practice this daily, and Mr. Greene and I wholeheartedly see eye to eye with this message. Accepting that you can not change people will ultimately change your life! It helps you to become more self-aware. You choose not to place blame on others for your actions. And it's one of the greatest lessons we should learn in this life!

As plain as this post appears, I get that becoming rational is something that must be practiced. It took me years to get to where I am today, but I don't regret any of the hurt or pain being irrational caused me. Today, I appreciate that being rational brings an inexplicable peace of mind. And I guarantee you it's worth the effort!

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