Have you ever found yourself doing something and then thought to yourself, “why on earth did I just do that?” Yes, well me too so you are not alone. It’s a question that’s puzzled us humans for centuries, and while there may not be a single answer, there are certainly a few theories out there.
Firstly, let’s talk about emotions. Emotions are a funny thing, aren’t they? They can make us do things we wouldn’t normally do, and they can even cloud our judgment. For example, have you ever sent a text message while you were angry and then immediately regretted it? That’s your emotions taking over and causing you to act on impulse. It’s hard to control our emotions, but the key is to recognise them and take a step back before we act. But this always seems easier in hindsight when the act has already been done. I have smacked myself upside my head a few times because of my impulsivity and you would think I would learn from it. So, why do I still make that same mistake from time to time. Oh, yes, the dreaded emotions thing. And just when you think you have it checked, you hit menopause and that just takes on a whole new meaning.
Another theory is that our actions are based on our experiences. As we get older, we accumulate more experiences, and those experiences shape the way we think and act. This can be a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing. If we’ve had negative experiences in the past, we may be more hesitant to take risks or try new things or really overthink things to a level of anxiety. On the other hand, if we’ve had positive experiences, we may be more willing to take risks and try new things.
So, what can we do to improve the way we respond to situations and life in general? One thing is to try to be more mindful. Take a moment to think before you act. Ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing, and if it’s really the best course of action. It may seem like a small thing but taking a few seconds to think can make a big difference.
Another thing is to learn from your experiences. If you’ve had a negative experience in the past, try to learn from it and use it to make better decisions in the future. Similarly, if you’ve had a positive experience, use it as motivation to take risks and try new things. I think I have gotten better at this but it is still something I have to be conscious of every day so that I don’t repeat the mistakes I have made in the past.
And finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. It’s how we learn and grow as individuals. So, the next time you find yourself asking “why did I just do that?”, remember that you’re human, and sometimes we all do things without thinking. Just try to learn from it and move forward.
The question of why we do the things we do may never have a concrete answer, but by being mindful, learning from our experiences, and not being too hard on ourselves, we can improve the way we respond to situations and ultimately lead happier and more fulfilling lives. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll all figure it out and become the most thoughtful, considered beings on the planet. But until then, let’s just try our best and have a little fun along the way.
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