Our brains weren’t exactly built for modern life.

Back in prehistoric times, it made perfect sense to react quickly to danger—whether that meant avoiding a predator or staying alert around rival tribes. In those situations, assuming the worst could literally save your life.

Fast forward to today, and while our surroundings have evolved, our brains still rely on the same ancient wiring. Even in a relatively safe and stable environment, that part of the brain is still focused on survival.

Instead of helping us:

• Explore new opportunities
• Discover who we are and what we truly enjoy
• Push boundaries and build new skills
• Expand what’s possible in life

That primal part of the brain keeps asking: “Is this safe?”

It’s still trying to protect us, even when the threat is just a new experience or a risk that could lead to growth.

Take a moment to reflect on that. You’ll start noticing how often that “safety-first” instinct is in the driver’s seat. There’s a great video that illustrates this idea in action—worth a watch if you’re curious about how the brain clings to old patterns.