Sometimes It's Only Human To Be Reptile

Billionaire Warren Buffett has said that the reason people don't become as successful as him is that they get in their own way -- not because the world is stopping them.

Dr. Mark Goulston, a business psychiatrist and the best selling author of "Get Out of Your Own Way At Work," agrees.

Dr. Goulston says: "People get in their own way by doing hasty things to get out of a stressful situation... but these hasty things end up hurting them in the long run. For example, procrastinating makes you feel better today, but then adds extra pressure a week from now -- when things are extra overdue. Another example is talking 'at' people -- which feels quick and easy. But you're setting yourself up for an upsetting confrontation, if you don't give clear, two-way dialogue instructions."

The solution?

Dr. Goulston says you need to stop operating from your immediate impulses -- which is what happens when you tap into the reptile part of your brain -- and choose those impulsive fight or flight reactions to stress. Instead you must tap into both the emotional mammalian part of your brain and your rational neocortex part of your brain.

Below are 6 steps from Dr. Goulston to help ensure you're not thinking/behaving like a reptile -- and instead thinking/behaving like your highest level human self!

While reading these 6 steps, imagine someone who cares about you walking you through them. Also keep in mind these are terrific steps for a parent to use to help children overcome impulsive, self-defeating behavior.

Step 1: Physical awareness. Where do you physically feel the tension? Pinpoint it -- a knot in your stomach... tight shoulders, etc. -- and give the sensation a name. This starts you down a path toward awareness vs. reactivity.

Step 2: Emotional awareness. Attach an emotion to the physical sensation. For example: "I feel angry... bored... afraid, etc."

Step 3: Impulse awareness. Complete the sentence, "This feeling makes me want to..." Fill in the blank with your immediate emotional reaction.

Step 4: Consequence awareness. Answer the question, "If I respond this way, what's likely to happen?" Think through all the possible consequences.

Step 5: Solution awareness. Complete the sentence, "A better thing to do would be..."

Step 6: Benefit awareness. Finish the sentence, "If I try that strategy, the benefits will be..." List as many as possible.