Our brains are the ultimate self protectors and one silly little quirk the brain does is believe everything you hear on the first go. If the information sounds suspicious the brain will then tag it to then check for verification later. For instance, if someone yells “there is a bear behind you” the brain has determined it’s most prudent to believe them first and then verify if it’s false later. The brain might also apply this logic to your thoughts, first believing everything it hears and then if it takes the time to look at the evidence might later find out it’s false. This is a nasty repercussion for a brain that is pretty darn negative most of the time. This means that whatever thought comes into our head, far fetched or not, your first inclination will be to believe it. Then only if we take the time to talk back to our thoughts, might we figure out it was actually false.

• FACT: When your brain sees a potential dopamine source, it not only activates the mesolimbic (pleasure) pathway in your brain it also sends a signal to your amygdala (fear center).

• TAKEAWAY: When your brain sees something it wants it not only reminds you of the possible rewards but also throws in some fear to make sure you get both the “carrot and the stick.” The brain puts fear in there to make you believe that without those sources of dopamine you might die, making you all the more likely to pick up that piece of cake, maybe even two pieces.