Do you ever find yourself making decisions based on your emotions, rather than logic? If so, you're not alone. Emotional reasoning is a cognitive bias that often causes us to make bad decisions.

What is emotional reasoning?

Emotional reasoning is when we make decisions based on our emotions, rather than logic. For example, you might feel anxious about an upcoming test and decide not to take it. Or, you might feel angry at your boss and decide to quit your job. Emotional reasoning can lead us to make hasty decisions that we later regret.

Why does emotional reasoning happen?

There are a few reasons why emotional reasoning happens. First, our emotions can cloud our judgment. When we're feeling anxious or angry, it's difficult to think clearly and make rational decisions.

Second, we often believe that our emotions are accurate reflections of reality. If we feel afraid of something, we might believe that it's actually dangerous. For example, if we feel guilty about something, we might believe that we've done something wrong.

However, our emotions are often not accurate reflections of reality. Just because we feel something doesn't mean it's true.

How to overcome emotional reasoning

If you want to overcome emotional reasoning, there are a few things you can do. First, try to take a step back and assess the situation objectively. If you're feeling emotional about something, it can be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you to see the situation more clearly.

Second, try to question your emotions. Just because you feel something doesn't mean it's true. If you're feeling anxious about an upcoming test, for example, try to remind yourself that anxiety is a normal emotion and that you can handle it.

Third, practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can help you to become more aware of your emotions and to see them for what they are: just thoughts and feelings that come and go.

Emotional reasoning is a cognitive bias that can often lead us to make bad decisions. However, by taking a step back, questioning our emotions, and practicing mindfulness, we can overcome emotional reasoning and make better decisions.