Let’s quickly explore how our brains work, why many of us are stuck in the past, and why we struggle with adaptability for the future. It’s a straightforward concept when you grasp the theory: we’ve all become addicted to something called a high beta brainwave. This addiction is so subtle that most of us don’t even realize it.
The High Beta Brainwave Addiction
High beta brainwaves are associated with being awake and alert but constantly on edge. This state of being on edge has become our new normal, even though it’s far from natural. In today’s society, people are constantly fidgeting, tapping their feet, and relying on quick fixes like sugar or alcohol to cope with stress. This isn’t just an individual problem; it’s a societal issue that affects cultures and organizations worldwide.
Our current systems are all about extraction—taking as much as possible as quickly as possible. This mindset is driven by outcomes and fueled by adrenaline. Most of us wake up every morning and unknowingly follow this pattern, believing it to be normal. However, it’s anything but.
The Impact on Creativity and Collaboration
We’re asking people who are fueled by adrenaline and addicted to certainty to be creative and think naturally. But when you’re highly stressed, creativity is impossible. Adrenaline-fueled states push us towards competition rather than collaboration. This creates personality traits that make adaptability difficult, keeping us tied to familiarity.
The Consequences of High Beta Brainwaves
- Anxiety and Fear: Many of us feel anxious or afraid for no apparent reason. Whether it’s the phone ringing or a tweet notification, our initial reaction is often fear. Even in safe, comfortable environments, we’re still on edge. This is a clear sign of addiction to high beta brainwaves, making everything seem scarier than it is.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Some of us struggle with keeping things perfect and clean, driven by an addiction to certainty. This behavior is not creative, collaborative, or lateral—it’s a rigid, outcome-based ideology.
- Sleep Difficulties: If you find it hard to sleep because your brain won’t shut off, it’s likely due to high beta brainwaves and adrenaline. Research shows that prolonged exposure to high beta brainwaves keeps 25% of your brain awake even when you’re sleeping, constantly on the lookout for danger. This explains the booming business of sleeping tablets, as people struggle to switch off and access new types of creativity.
- Negative Self-Talk: Many of us battle with an inner voice that tells us we’re not enough—whether it’s about our appearance, wealth, or achievements. This voice, driven by high beta brainwaves, convinces us that others are better, smarter, or more successful.
Conclusion: Why We’re Unprepared for the Future
The high beta brainwave state keeps us trapped in a loop of fear, anxiety, and competition, never preparing us for the future. This addiction to adrenaline and certainty prevents us from being adaptable, creative, and collaborative, leaving us stuck in the past and ill-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Understanding and addressing this addiction is crucial if we want to break free from these limiting patterns and embrace a more adaptable and creative way of thinking.
Note: This blog post is an adaptation of the transcript from the video below.