Have you ever felt clunky or stiff while trying to perform a task you’re normally good at, like giving a presentation or playing a sport? Or struggled to focus while planning a project? Cognitive neuroscience reveals that our brain operates using two distinct systems—each optimised for different tasks. Recognising and choosing the right "brain" for the moment can unlock new performance levels and ease.
The Two Operating Systems: Thinking Brain vs. Being Brain
The Thinking Brain
Conscious, logical, reflective, and slow.
Processes information in a linear, deliberate way.
Ideal for strategic planning, analyzing, or problem-solving.
The Being Brain
Reactive, emotional, intuitive, and fast.
Hardwired to the motor cortex for immediate action and parallel processing.
Ideal for performance tasks requiring fluidity, muscle memory, and instinct.
How the Two Brains Interact
Different disciplines refer to these systems in various ways—explicit and implicit memory, hot and cold cognition, or fast and slow processing. For simplicity, let’s call them the Thinking Brain and the Being Brain.
While both brains are exceptional at what they do, problems arise when we use the wrong brain for the task at hand. For instance:
During a tennis match, the Being Brain is your ally, drawing on training and instinct to deliver effortless performance. However, if you analyse every shot mid-game, the Thinking Brain takes over, slowing you down and making your movements feel wooden or clunky.
Conversely, when planning a detailed project, relying solely on the intuitive Being Brain might lead to missed steps, whereas the Thinking Brain’s logical processing would ensure thoroughness.
Understanding the Mismatch
The Thinking Brain often tries to take control when it’s not suited—particularly under pressure. Fear, nerves, or a focus on outcomes can trigger overthinking, undermining the Being Brain’s natural ability to execute effortlessly.
Imagine climbing a tree:
The Thinking Brain carefully plans every step, strategising where to place your hands and feet.
The Being Brain, like a squirrel, relies on trial and error, muscle memory, and instinct to quickly and efficiently climb to the top.
The Thinking Brain may not even start before the Being Brain has finished the climb.
Building Trust Between the Two Brains
To optimise performance and decision-making, it’s essential to build trust between these two systems. Here’s how:
Recognise Which Brain You’re Using- Before starting a task, pause and ask yourself:
Am I thinking my way through this?
Or am I intuitively acting?
Choose the Right Brain for the Task
For planning, analysing, and strategising, activate the Thinking Brain to approach the task reflexively and logically.
For performing, reacting, and creating, let the Being Brain lead, trusting in your training and natural ability.
Build Trust in the Being Brain- When engaging the Being Brain:
Release control. Acknowledge the Thinking Brain’s desire to overanalyse and let go.
Trust your muscle memory, intuition, and ability to adapt in the moment.
Practice Switching Between the Two- Intentionally practice using both brains for their respective strengths. For example:
During a performance, consciously quiet the Thinking Brain to let the Being Brain flow.
While planning, focus on deliberate thinking and resist impulsive decisions from the Being Brain.
Empowering Choice and Performance
When you understand the Thinking Brain and Being Brain, you gain a powerful tool for optimising how you approach tasks. By consciously choosing which brain to lead with, you can:
Reduce overthinking and anxiety during performances.
Enhance strategic thinking and planning.
Improve flow and confidence in all areas of life.
The next time you tackle a challenge, take a moment to assess: Which brain should I use for this task? By trusting the strengths of each operating system, you’ll unlock more control, choice, and power than you might think.
