According to Mel Robbins, author, and speaker, when you hesitate, you are signaling to your brain that something is wrong, and you need to go on the defensive. Your brain says, you did not hesitate when you brushed your teeth in the morning or when you drank a glass of water when you went into the kitchen. But you hesitated to get up, make the call, go to the gym, take a run, say “I’m sorry,” start the project, read the book or something else you know you should do.

Here is a possible scientific way to shed light on how our brain processes information. Hesitating was a safety mechanism used by our ancestors to prevent them from being killed. Today we tend to use some of the same primitive behaviors even though we are not in life-or-death situations. Neuroscientist Paul Maclean proposed the “Triune Brain” model theory which is based on three different regions. Each allows for a different degree of behavioral complexity from the others (Interaction Design Foundation).  These regions are the basal ganglia for the Reptilian Brain, the limbic system for the Emotional Brain and, the limbic system for the Emotional Brain. Believed to be developed sequentially, they function in all circumstances.

It is the Reptilian Brain that strives for perseveration of self, family, private property, and our way of life. So, to change a habit from indecision or hesitation to decisiveness would take conscious effort. Hence the reason that habits take at least 21 days to break (Maxwell Maltz).

God created us uniquely and with marvelous complexities, all for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10). You need not function in fear.

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”