We often hear that our childhood and unconscious mind play a significant role in shaping who we become. It is well established in psychology that the early years of life have a lasting impact on our behavior and emotional responses. In simple terms, our minds are highly receptive during childhood, learning from everything around us. Before our frontal lobes fully develop, we accept messages from our caregivers and environment without much question. This early programming lays the groundwork for our later responses and decisions, even in situations where we believe we are making entirely free choices.

Childhood and the Formation of Cognitive Patterns

From the moment we are born, our brains begin to record and organize the experiences we encounter. The messages we receive from parents or significant adults act as guidelines for interpreting our world. For example, a child who grows up in an environment filled with constant criticism or restriction may internalize a belief that they are inherently incapable or unworthy. These early experiences form cognitive schemas—mental frameworks that shape our expectations and reactions later in life. When these schemas are negative, they can result in low self-esteem and make it harder for us to pursue opportunities, even when they are well-deserved. In essence, our early interactions serve as a blueprint that influences our confidence, decision-making, and emotional well-being throughout adulthood.

Insights from Libet’s Research on Consciousness

In the 1980s (corrected from 1970s), psychologist Benjamin Libet conducted experiments that challenged traditional views of free will. His work suggested that our conscious mind may not be the primary initiator of actions; instead, it appears to act as an observer, stepping in only to *veto* (changed from "halt") an action that has already begun. This finding implies that many of our decisions are triggered by unconscious processes—habits and behavioral patterns that were established early in life. For instance, if you were repeatedly criticized as a child, your brain might automatically trigger feelings of fear or self-doubt in situations where you are offered new challenges or responsibilities. In these moments, the conscious mind may only have the power to slow down or inhibit the response initiated by these deep-seated automatic processes.

Automatism and Inhibited Responses in Daily Life

Consider the everyday scenario where an opportunity arises at work—a promotion, a challenging project, or even a simple decision during a conversation. Although it might seem like you are consciously weighing your options, many of your reactions have been pre-programmed by earlier experiences. When faced with external pressures, your brain quickly selects a response based on past conditioning. If your early environment was overly critical, you might experience a rush of negative emotions such as anxiety, shame, or insecurity, even if you are well-qualified for the opportunity. These automatic responses can lead to behaviors that feel out of your control. For example, you might laugh nervously or become tearful when a chance for advancement is offered, leaving you with regret once you reflect on your reaction. This is not a flaw in your character but a result of an ingrained algorithm formed by your early experiences. It takes time and conscious effort to override these automatic responses and make decisions that truly reflect your desires and capabilities.

The Role of Psychotherapy in Adjusting Automatic Reactions

Psychotherapy offers effective methods to help individuals understand and modify these automatic behavioral patterns. Through approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), people learn to recognize the negative thought patterns that were established in childhood. By identifying these unhelpful schemas, you can begin to challenge and change them. In therapy, you develop strategies to slow down your automatic responses, allowing your conscious mind to intervene and choose a more adaptive reaction. This process does not happen overnight; it requires consistent effort and self-reflection. Yet, as you practice these skills, you become better equipped to handle challenging situations without being overwhelmed by fear or self-doubt. The goal is to replace outdated, unhelpful patterns with responses that serve your best interests, ultimately leading to a more confident and fulfilling life.

Managing the Energy from Inhibition

Another important aspect of our psychological functioning is the energy that builds up when we inhibit our immediate reactions. As children, we often rely on caregivers to help regulate our emotional responses. When a baby is upset, a soothing response from a parent helps the child learn to manage that intense energy. As adults, we must learn to handle this energy on our own. If you constantly suppress your emotions without a healthy outlet, the built-up tension can manifest as anger, withdrawal, or other forms of emotional distress. It becomes crucial to find constructive ways to release this accumulated energy. Many people turn to physical activity, such as sports or exercise, or engage in creative pursuits as a means of emotional regulation. These methods help maintain an internal balance, ensuring that you are not overwhelmed by suppressed feelings when faced with stress. Developing strategies to process and release emotional energy is a key part of maintaining mental health and can prevent the negative consequences of chronic inhibition.

Conclusion: Shaping Reactions for a Better Life

In summary, our early experiences and unconscious programming have a profound effect on how we react to the world around us. The cognitive patterns formed in childhood—often without our awareness—can influence our self-esteem, decision-making, and emotional responses throughout our lives. Experiments like those conducted by Libet remind us that many of our actions are initiated by unconscious processes, and our conscious mind often only has the role of moderating these responses. By engaging in psychotherapy and learning to manage our emotional energy, we can gradually override these automatic reactions and make choices that reflect our true selves. Ultimately, understanding these processes empowers us to act in ways that enhance our well-being and foster healthier relationships, both with ourselves and with others.

References

• Freud, S. (1905). Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality (This work outlines the influence of early childhood experiences on personality development. See pages 45–70 for key concepts.)
• Libet, B. (1985). Unconscious cerebral initiative and the role of conscious will in voluntary action (A seminal paper discussing the role of unconscious processes in initiating actions. Refer to pages 529–566 *Corrected Page Numbers* for experimental details.)
• Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders (An important text on how cognitive patterns influence emotions and behavior. See pages 102–120 for discussion on automatic thoughts.)
• Ellis, A. (2001). Overcoming Destructive Beliefs, Feelings, and Behaviors (This book provides practical strategies for modifying maladaptive cognitive schemas formed during childhood. Refer to pages 85–110 for techniques.)
• Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (This text discusses methods for managing emotional energy and building healthier responses to stress. See pages 230–250 for relevant interventions.)

By understanding how our early experiences shape our present reactions and learning to manage the energy produced by our inhibited emotions, we can take meaningful steps toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.