| I was reading an interesting article the other day | | | | part of the brain that addictive behaviors are |
| in a Charles Schwab newsletter and it hit me like | | | | stored. We achieve great gratification by |
| a ton of bricks. The article was stating that "35% | | | | satisfying the Reflexive brain. |
| of all investors said that emotions influenced their | | | | I believe this is why people get animals that they |
| investment decisions. But recent brain scanning | | | | really don't want or need. They get caught up in |
| reveals that emotions are actively triggered in | | | | the emotion of the moment and don't take the |
| decisions involving risk and reward, indicating a lack | | | | time to reflect on what dog or cat ownership is |
| of self-awareness that may prevent investors | | | | really about or requires. I'd like to take a survey |
| from reaching their investment goals." My ah-ha | | | | on how many folks have acquired an animal that |
| moment came to me when I was up on the local | | | | they ended up cutting loose or turning over to a |
| adopt a pet site and saw so many homeless | | | | shelter because they didn't think through the |
| animals. People are buying dogs and cats based on | | | | process. |
| emotion without thinking the process through! | | | | I guess the bottom line of this post is, if you are |
| Here's how it works- The human brain can be | | | | thinking about getting a new animal, you should |
| broken down into two parts when it comes to | | | | really think through the process. Is this animal |
| acquiring new things or taking a risk such as a | | | | going to be an inside or outside critter? Who is |
| new puppy or kitten. The two parts of the | | | | going to be the primary care giver to the animal? |
| psyche are referred to as the "Reflexive" and | | | | What are the costs associated with owning this |
| "Reflective" brains. Our inner brain (Reflexive) | | | | animal? Is this animal going to be an integral part |
| reacts instinctively and emotionally while our outer | | | | of your family or is someone else going to |
| brain (Reflective) manages our reasoning and our | | | | manage it for you? If you don't think through the |
| ability to comprehend what we are truly doing. | | | | process before you get your new pet, I'll bet that |
| Have you ever gotten scared and reacted to | | | | there will be another homeless animal awaiting |
| some stimulus? If you did, what happened was | | | | adoption in your area. |
| emotional and reactive I'm sure. This is your | | | | Please, think before you buy! |
| survival mode (Reflexive brain) which is also the | | | | |