It is an established belief that many people are raised to think that good decisions are made on the basis on pure logic and prudent reasoning and that emotions only come in the way of clear thinking. This assumption is not surprising, yet it is not clearly reflected in the functionality of the human brain. As a matter of fact, emotions and logic are such closely tied systems which constantly affects each other. Instead of acting as opposites, they act as partners in influencing behavior. Knowledge of this relation can be used in understanding why there are occasions when individuals make decisions that do not align with their intellectual knowledge of what is best.

Feelings grew way before the advanced thinking in the evolution of humans. Fast reaction was necessary among the early humans to survive the threat. Threats could be easily avoided with the help of fear. Bonding and reproduction were promoted by attraction. Defense and protection of boundaries was backed by anger. Such feelings proved to be effective as they did not need much mental effort. The emotional brain still operates as though it is immediately required in life even in these modern times where danger is not often life threatening. It implies that emotional responses usually precede the process of logical analysis.

When an individual finds themselves in a scenario, the emotional areas of the brain create an instant response, according to the previous experiences, memories, and acquired relations. This response can be in the form of comfort, excitement, anxiety or uneasiness. It is after such an emotional reaction that the rational aspect of the brain starts to make sense of what is going on. Through this, individuals are often likely to have a feeling and then build explanations afterwards. Such chain can give an illusion of the logicality of decisions, which are made on the emotional level.

Feelings are very powerful in determining what the brain is sensitive to. Emotional information is memorable and information that is not emotional can be disregarded. Such selective attention determines perception. When a thing is important, the brain will give it priority. In case of something that is not important or unpleasant, the brain thrusts it away. This process with time affects beliefs, preferences, and habits without being conscious.

Emotional memory is a strong factor that influences decisions. Memories relating to intense feelings are buried in the brain. In cases of similarity in future, the previous experiences affect the present emotions.Imagine changing your life overnight win a million dollars Enter now!

One chance can make you the next big winner. As an illustration, a person who used to feel rejected after making a statement may have anxiety when he or she raises his or her voice once more, despite having a favorable environment at that time. The brain is trying to ensure that the individual is not subjected to the same pain again.

Emotional memory is not always easy to push out using logic. One telling oneself that a situation is safe does not in itself eliminate the fear. Nevertheless, negative associations may be weakened over time by positive associative experiences. Emotions may be modified with time but it takes time and perseverance.

The brain is no longer made to be perfect: it is made to survive, and that is all.Learning how feelings affect decisions is the only way to close this gap.The result will turn confusion into comprehension. Comprehension into patience.Patience into better decision making.