<div>There are 2 kinds of pleasure: “liking” and “wanting.” “Liking” is a state of happiness and satisfaction, such as the gratification we get after a good meal. But “wanting” comes from the pleasure in pursuing something and feeling seduction or excitement.Dopamine plays a big role in us wanting something, and it gives our brains positive reinforcement so we want it more and more. </div>

Like Vs. Lust

Problem Solving

<div>We naturally want what we can’t have and being denied it makes us want it more. Suddenly depriving yourself of something may empower the cravings, so occasionally indulgences might good.But from a drug addiction standpoint, a slip-up or two could have catastrophic effects. Instead of focusing on the fact you can’t have something, learn to reframe ways of thinking and choose to fill that space with new people and outside interests.</div>

Not Having Something Makes Us Want It More

<div>This means that once we’ve mis-stepped, we use it as justification to go all out. One bad decision can snowball into bigger consequences, making us temporarily lose sight of our ultimate goal.Be aware of your actions and way of thinking. And if you make a mistake, dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes and move forward.</div>

The “What The Hell” Effect

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<blockquote>Our blogs are written by a dedicated team of authors who are equally passionate about sharing their insights, perspectives and personal experiences. With a focus<a href="https://www.mentalhelp.net/contributors/blog-authors/">...Read More</a></blockquote>
<img src="https://www.mentalhelp.net/content/uploads/2017/01/istock-1-1024x682.jpg">There's no denying that we all make bad decisions from time to time. But why does it seem like certain people make more bad decisions than others?
In a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-be-yourself/201608/3-reasons-we-make-terrible-decisions">recent article</a>, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen explains the three reasons why we make terrible decisions and gives us insight into what to do to stop it:
Scientifically and psychologically speaking, there are two kinds of pleasure to which our brains respond: "liking" and "wanting." The pleasure known as "liking" is a state of happiness and satisfaction, such as the gratification we get after a good meal. But the pleasure known as "wanting" is a little different. This comes from the pleasure in pursuing something and feeling seduction or excitement.
Basically, it's the lust and thrill of the chase, such as going after that "bad boy" in college or seeking out hit after hit of that drug of choice. Research has shown that dopamine plays a big role in us wanting something, and it gives our brains positive reinforcement so we want it more and more. So, we'll stop at nothing to get what we want...even if we know we'll regret our decisions later. But being mindful of this compulsive way of thinking can help, enabling us to play the tape all the way before taking action.

<ul>Not Having Something Makes Us Want It More</ul>

Another factor that plays into bad decision-making is that us human beings naturally want what we can't have. When we are told that we can't have something, our brains want it more. When I was in prison, for example, I used to fantasize about strawberries. Don't get me wrong, I've always liked strawberries, but being told I couldn't have one for a number of years sent my obsession through the roof!
The same goes for anything else, which could be dieting, smoking or drug use. Suddenly depriving yourself of everything might make those cravings even more powerful, so it's best to give into "rare indulgences" from time to time, such as a bowl of ice cream or a drag from a cigarette. But from a drug addiction standpoint, a slip-up or two could have much more damaging effects. Instead of focusing on the fact you can't have something, it's better to learn to reframe ways of thinking and choose to fill that space with new people and outside interests.
This basically means that once we've mis-stepped, we use it as justification to go all out. Think " well, I've already broken my diet by having this cookie, so - what the Hell - might as well have the rest of the container." Basically, in this scenario, our one bad decision can snowball into bigger consequences, making us temporarily lose sight of our ultimate goal.
As like the others, the key here is to be aware of your actions and way of thinking. Just because you had a setback doesn't mean your life is over. Dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes and move forward.
Image Source: iStock
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Our blogs are written by a dedicated team of authors who are equally passionate about sharing their insights, perspectives and personal experiences. With a focus ...Read More There's no denying that we all make bad decisions from time to time. But why does it seem like certain people make more bad decisions than others?

Bite‑sized knowledge
to upgrade
your career

The Science of Making Bad Decisions

Like Vs. Lust

Not Having Something Makes Us Want It More

The “What The Hell” Effect

The science of craving

Principles for Making Better Life Decisions

Zero-Based Thinking: Principles For Making Better Life Decisions

Bite‑sized knowledgeto upgradeyour career

The Science of Making Bad Decisions

Like Vs. Lust

Not Having Something Makes Us Want It More

The “What The Hell” Effect

The science of craving

Principles for Making Better Life Decisions

Zero-Based Thinking: Principles For Making Better Life Decisions

Bite‑sized knowledge
to upgrade
your career