Last week, I was listening to a Mel Robbins podcast where she interviewed Dr. Todd Rose, author of Collective Illusions and co-founder and CEO of the think tank Populace.
In this episode, Dr. Todd shared about a study that was conducted in 2009 in the Netherlands, where participants were connected to an fMRI (neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity), and participants were shown a couple hundred photos of people in which they were asked to rate based on their appearance; 1 being not very attractive, 5 being extremely attractive.
Immediately after participants would rate the individual, they would be shown a score of what “the average” rated that previous person.
These ratings were made up, and never happened.
Half of the time, people were in alignment, however; the other half, the score was a point or two different.
At the end of the study, the participants were told the scanner didn’t catch their answers, and were asked if they could quickly run through again, verbally.
Even with reordered photos…
The majority of people ended up changing their ratings the second time around.
I find this study fascinating, because it so powerfully suggests our need to conform…
Our need to belong.
How easily and quickly our thoughts and opinions shift, to be in alignment with others.
And the reason…
Aligning with a particular group triggers an award signal in our brain.
It’s the same signal given off by hard drugs!
On the contrary…
Not being in alignment, triggers an error signal in the brain…
Which disrupts memory and attention!
Dr. Todd went on to explain the idea of “Collective Illusions”…
And how as a society…
We continue to go along with “group think”…
Because WE THINK it’s what everyone wants…
When in reality… it’s not!!!
Get this!…
Based on research…
ONE QUARTER of what we see and take in on social media…
Are bots!
And yet, we take it to be true!!!
Friends…
Let me ask you…
If you really get honest with yourself?
When’s the last time you were truly authentic?
When you took a moment to stop doom scrolling…
Took a step back…
Took a breath…
And reminded yourself of your deepest core values and beliefs – “group think” aside?
Dr. Todd explained how incredibly important it is to be authentic and true to ourselves…
And the power and impact of authenticity.
It’s not only intrinsically rewarding…
But it gives off that same powerful reward signal in the brain…
It encourages OTHERS to live in their own authenticity.
And You Guys…
If you really want to be happier?!
Work on that authenticity!
Happiness, is in fact, contagious!
And it comes from being true to who you are!
As Dr. Todd confidently presents, “microchanges” matter.
And his challenge for us all was to do one small act…
That would bring you closer to your authentic self.
So what does that look like for you!?
Is it saying no thank you to an alcohol beverage if you committed to not drinking during the week?
Speaking up about a restaurant choice if you truly dislike where everyone is going?
Proudly proclaming you do not like “Taco Tuesday”!?
I encourage you to commit to ONE SMALL CHANGE this week…
That will get you closer to your authentic self.
One week from now, reflect on the experience, and make note of how you feel.
Believing in us, always.
