The Pleasure-Pain Principle

One of the most well-understood and researched operating principles of the human brain is the pleasure-pain principle. Simply stated, our brains are wired to maximize reward and to minimize threat. This means, the choices and decisions we make on a daily basis are continually influenced by this operating principle.

I want to take a moment and dive into a little more detail into how the principle influences brain function and chemistry. When we perceive ourselves to be in a safe and familiar surrounding this affords us access to our executive functions - the possibility to think and to contemplate. We are using the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This means we have the flexibility to weigh choices and evaluate different amounts if information. Having the room to think also allows us to make connections both at a linear (logical) level (i.e. 1 +1= 2) and at a non-linear (creative) level (i.e. 1+1= 11).

When we feel we are under some level of threat our brain immediately shifts from the higher, executive functions of the prefrontal cortex to the more basic, emotional functions of the limbic system. The brain makes this shift to conserve energy by triggering well-learned, automated patterns and to focus all resources on the perceived threat.

This shift to the limbic system means that our attention and thinking becomes super-focused. We tend to focus only on the threat, which in turn severely limits our ability to see options and possibilities - both obvious and subtle. It also limits our ability to take a chance to solve the dilemma, because we see any viable option as too risky. If we had been thinking more clearly and logically (i.e. activating the prefrontal cortex and not the limbic system) we would have seen the wisdom of the choice and taken the decision.

One of the more interesting models I've come across describing the pleasure-pain principle is an excellent article from NeuroLeadershipjournal (this link will take you directly to the article). The author, David Rock, describes an elegant model he calls the SCARF model. It's an acronym for Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness and Fairness.


Status is about how important we feel in relation to others around us. Although, Rock does not mention it in his article, I see status includes the appreciation and recognition we get from others for who we are and what we contribute. The feedback we get from our surroundings is also a form of confirmation about who we believe we are.

Certainty is about how familiar we are with the world around us. It allows us to predict what will happen and thus we have certain expectations. This is a major reason why many people do not like change.

Autonomy refers to our feeling of having control and oversight over our lives. It also means that we feel we have the flexibility and the freedom to make decisions and to choose amongst options.


Relatedness means we feel connected and valued with those around us (i.e. colleagues, friends, family and so on). It is a feeling we have if we belong to a group or if we stand outside of that group. Relatedness is strongly linked with the sense of trust we have with the people who are in the same group.


Fairness means we are treated as equals and that there is a level of transparency in the relationship and in communication. That there is no second or hidden agenda.


If any part of the SCARF model is perceived to be under threat, the brain instantly activates the limbic system and conversely deactivates the prefrontal cortex. If we are not attentive to this shift and consciously take action, we considerably limit our ability to deal rationally with the threat in front of us. What instead happens is that our emotions take over clouding judgement and not dealing intelligently with the dilemma.


In my next post, I will talk about specific steps you can use to consciously take action to shift your brain and its neuro-chemistry to help you instead of hindering you.

Problems vs. Solutions - Insights to Utilizing Your Brain

Over the last couple of months, I've tried to read as much as I could on how the brain works and how to utilize some of the most current understanding of this amazing organ.  I want to take some of those ideas (none of which are mine) and share it with you.

I don't think it is necessary to dive into the deep details of the of the brain's functioning.  I want to skip the heavy theory (as interesting and valuable as it is), and instead, dilute it down to some essential skills that you can apply or help others in your leadership or coaching roles.

In this particular entry I want to focus on the ubiquitous problem-solution balance that each of us faces on a daily basis, both in our private and professional lives.

As much as we would like to think that we can multi-task, we are simply kidding ourselves.  Basically, the brain can only focus on one thing at a time.  This means, when we believe we are multi-tasking what is simply happening is that our attention shifts from one task to the next.

When it comes to the problem/solution relationship, you are either focusing on the problem or you are focusing on the solution.  You can not focus on both.

Now if we just step back and let the brain take over, it will automatically shift to default mode, which is to focus on the problem.  Why is this?  The brain is always searching and moving toward certainty. Certainty, in the case of the problem/solution relationship, is the problem. We generally know what the problem is, and subsequently, we are able to picture it. We are certain about what the problem is all about.

This is not the case when we are dealing with trying to find a possible solution to a problem.  There could be several solutions to a problem, and we are not always able to picture what that solution could look like.  This inability to have a crystal-clear picture of the solution lies in the realm of uncertainty.  This means we need to consciously focus our attention on the solution otherwise the brain will automatically move to default mode - toward certainty of knowing the problem.

There is a definite difference in brain chemistry depending on if our attention is problem-focused or if it is solution-focused. If it is the former, than our brains release a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. If it is the latter, than our brains release another type of neurotransmitter called dopamine.
 
For simplicity's sake, norepinephrine's major role is to make us feel alert and to focus our attention.  It is commonly linked to away emotions such as uncertainty, anxiety and different levels of threat.  When we perceive our situation as threatening, whether mild or elevated, our mind focuses solely on that threat.  The brain blocks out all other incoming information and devotes all it's limited resources on dealing with the immediate threat.  It tends to restrict thinking and finding possible insights.

Dopamine, on the other hand, is the neurotransmitter of desire.  That is, whenever our curiosity or interest is peaked, the reason is the release of dopamine.  It is the key-ingredient that is needed in order for us to learn.  It is linked to toward emotions such as creativity, engagement, motivation, curiosity and interest.  When we have a release of dopamine it tends to fuel more thinking and encourages the brain to fill in gaps in our knowledge, which leads to different levels of insight.

Let's move back to the problem/solution relationship.  So depending on what you focus on, it will determine what neurotransmitter is released.  By being more solution-focused this attentions shifts the brain to release more dopamine, which in turn increases the likelihood of us moving us through our dilemma.

A simple ways to be more solution-focused is to ask yourself questions that encourage your mind to seek answers and insight.