Knowing Our Currents

I suspect that most of us have positive and negative currents; attitudes that move us in certain directions unless something causes us to think otherwise. These currents may be so subtle that we can operate for years without recognizing them. Once they are identified, we can see their influence in a multitude of decisions.

One person may have currents of overconfidence and impatience. Another may have combined optimism and fear. Analysis and procrastination may dominate a third. The list can be extensive. This may get even more complicated if we can, like sailors crossing an ocean, move from current to another and are not locked into one set.

What can be jarring is the extent to which we believe we are applying cold logic or a scientific approach when what we may be doing is sewing an acceptable disguise for something much more visceral.