One of the brain’s most primitive responses to unfamiliar or challenging situations is the activation of the “fight-flight-freeze-fawn” response. This automatic reaction is a survival mechanism, allowing us to respond quickly to threats without having to consciously process the situation.

However, this response can sometimes be an oversimplified shortcut that doesn’t always serve us well in complex, modern contexts. To handle the vast array of stimuli we encounter daily, our brains develop schemas and mental maps. These cognitive frameworks allow us to categorize new experiences based on past knowledge and experiences. For instance, when we meet new people or face new situations, our brains can quickly classify them into categories such as “trustworthy,” “not to be trusted,” or “potentially trustworthy.” These mental shortcuts help us navigate our social and physical environments more efficiently without overwhelming our cognitive resources. However, relying too heavily on these schemas can sometimes lead to problems. For example, if our previous experiences have led us to form negative or overly cautious schemas, we might find ourselves mistrusting others or avoiding new experiences unnecessarily. This can be particularly frustrating for individuals who feel misunderstood or who are constantly having to re-explain themselves to others.

The mental effort required to rework these ingrained schemas, even when our error detectors signal a need for change, can be exhausting. Maybe don’t even invent a new wheel? just listen to the ” error-detectors” as they are there for a reason..