Recognize Patterns — How Efficient Are You, Really?

Emotional Literacy and Recognizing Patterns

In my previous post, I talked about Emotional Literacy — the skill of accurately identifying and interpreting our feelings. This time, I will share about Recognizing Patterns — a skill about acknowledging recurring reactions and behaviors. Together, these two skills form the foundation of self-awareness.

How skilled are you in recognizing your patterns? I noticed we are far better at spotting patterns in others than in ourselves.

The Brain's Quest for Efficiency: Auto-Pilot

We repeat the same behaviors without noticing because we often run on auto-pilot. Scientists explain that our brain has a default mode. The fundamental concept to understand here is that our brains have not developed for thinking. Our brains' most important job has to do with efficiency.

Lisa Feldman Barrett, Ph.D., begins her brilliant book Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by busting the myth and informing us that our brains thrive to keep us alive and healthy through efficient body budgeting (allostasis).

Interpreting Patterns: Efficiency and Repetition

With that in mind, let's interpret patterns. The reason our brains develop patterns also has to do with efficiency. What we repeat over again is wired in our brain as a pattern that consumes less energy the next time it is performed.

Imagine you had to learn your way from scratch each time you commute to work. But, no, your brain activates the default mode network, and you have made it to the office before you know it.

The brain thinks you're efficient. But, are you really? What are the pros and cons of running some of your patterns on auto-pilot? Have you felt unproductive or regretful by acting a certain way?

Neuroplasticity: A Skill to Change Patterns

Sometimes running on auto-pilot is harmless, as in the example of the commute above. Yet, other times it can be detrimental, for example, withdrawing from a conversation with someone each time you feel hurt, ashamed, or uncomfortable.

Good news! First, Recognizing Patterns is a skill that we can learn. And second, our brains are capable of shifting patterns thanks to their characteristic of neuroplasticity.

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity means that our brain circuitry can change. Simply put, we can re-wire our brains to change behavior and vice versa. To learn more, I find this video helpful.

Now, as we know how fast children can learn, it doesn't come as quickly in adulthood. During critical periods of development, the plasticity switch is always dialed 'ON.' However, in adulthood, we need to pay attention and engage deeply, practice, and rest to learn and change. It requires more effort.

Spotting Patterns: The First Step

Most importantly, what precedes change is awareness. So the first step is to practice spotting our patterns.

Exercise: When _____, I _____.

Think of a recent incident where you felt regret or were unproductive. Then, reflect on it and fill in the spaces below.

When _____(stimulus), I _____(thought, feeling, action).

Repeat this exercise after similar felt experiences.

Once you have collected a few examples in written form, it's time for analysis! Where do you see a pattern?

Examples:

• When I feel hurt, I withdraw from the situation.
• When I am in a group of people I don't know; I feel overwhelmed to start a conversation.
• When someone asks me out, I feel impolite to decline the offer.

Recognizing Patterns: An EQ Strength

Recognizing Patterns is an important EQ competency that allows us to see our reactions clearly. With awareness, we can redirect these patterns without wasting time, energy, and emotional pain.

In addition, your brain will thank you for contributing to improved efficiency; now, the saved energy can be re-budgeted elsewhere.

Mastering Self-Awareness and Understanding Others

Once you have mastered the self-awareness of your patterns, the next challenge would be to use this awareness to focus on understanding others and identify patterns in your team and organization. By reading these patterns, you have the opportunity to adjust your approach to tap into their strengths!

By developing your ability to recognize patterns, both in yourself and in others, you can create a more harmonious, productive, and efficient environment. This skill enables you to make better decisions, improve relationships, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life.