Did you know that negative reactions can keep us stuck in life’s ruts? What if you could break free from those patterns that feel like mental handcuffs?
Part 1
Ever feel like you’re on autopilot, reacting to life’s stressors with the same old frustration, defensiveness, or fear? You’re not alone. Most of us have been there, just going through the motions. But here’s the twist: these reactions are actually a sign that your brain’s stuck in “child mode.” Surprising, right? Those quick flashes of irritation, anger, or snap judgments aren’t just quirks; they’re signals that your brain is relying on its most primitive wiring—a reaction mode that belongs to children, not adults.
As a neurotherapist with 25 years of experience, I see this all the time: adults locked into old patterns that block them from their true potential. But here’s the good news: it’s possible to break free. Some powerful (often hidden) methods can help you reach the next level. Wondering why these methods aren’t mainstream? That’s a story for another day.
With the right tools, you can rewire those ingrained reactions, activate the full power of your brain, and experience life with a whole new depth and maturity. Here’s how:
Why Negative, Reactive Emotions Are Childlike Responses?
Imagine you’re a kid, trying to make sense of a big, confusing world. What do you do? You react quickly, acting on impulses or copying your family’s reactions. This is because, as children, we’re driven by the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for survival responses like fear and anger. This is because our prefrontal cortex, the part that helps us pause and think, isn’t developed until we’re in our 20s.
But here’s the problem: no one ever tells us it’s time to shift from childhood patterns to adult ones. Instead, we’re sent off to school to learn subjects meant to broaden our horizons and develop neural connections. But that primitive survival-based way of seeing the world it’s still there, just as strong. People often think they’re adults once they hit a certain age. But without a fully developed prefrontal cortex and an adult mindset, they’re still stuck in “child mode.”
You’ve seen this everywhere—adults who lose their temper, scream, threaten, or harbor resentment. They’re operating from a childlike state. Think you’re able to communicate without reacting these ways? If the answer is “no,” then you’re not entirely in adult mode yet. Like many people, you may still rely on “fight-or-flight” reactions, still using the emotional playbook of your younger self. But unlike children, you have the power to shift out of this mode and tap into the mature, mindful strength of the prefrontal cortex—if you’re ready to do a little mental reprogramming.
