Pause for a moment and ask yourself: what brain are you thinking with right now? Is it your intellect or your emotion? Dig a little deeper. Is it your stomach whispering hunger-fueled urgency? Your ego defending its fragile pride? Perhaps it’s pain, anger, disdain, love, passion, fear, lust, hope, or empathy. Each of these “brains” represents different triggers, emotions, and bodily reactions. But here’s the real question: do you know which one you’re using? And if so, do you know why or what set it off?

Here’s the fascinating part—we have the ability to switch to a different brain. Our intellectual brain can override a surge of anger, or our empathetic brain can drown out a moment of disdain. But can you make that switch in the heat of the moment? Can you choose clarity over chaos now?

This daily dance of self-awareness is one I continually engage in. I strive to better understand myself because self-awareness is the bridge to better communication with others. When I recognize which brain I’m using, I can more deliberately access the appropriate one to navigate personal and professional interactions effectively. Understanding my triggers isn’t just about managing them—it’s about mastering them to achieve progress toward my goals.

Self-mastery isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong journey. Each day, I take small steps to recognize which brain is in the driver’s seat, learn from it, and, if necessary, switch to a more appropriate navigator. Progress comes not from perfection but from persistence.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us,

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, CSB)

When we guide our minds intentionally, we align our thoughts with what truly matters. And that is the ultimate form of self-mastery.