The Power of the Primitive Brain

Deep within each of us lies a monster, a force as ancient as life itself. This is not a metaphor—it’s a literal part of your brain, a remnant of evolution shared with the dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. This primitive brain, or ID, exists to ensure your survival and success. Unlike the higher brain functions tied to morality, empathy, and logic, the monster operates without hesitation or fear. It doesn’t overthink, seek validation, or apologize. Instead, it acts decisively and unapologetically to do what is necessary.

For many of life’s greatest challenges—addiction, anxiety, dependency, self-doubt, overthinking, lack of boundaries, fear of rejection or failure, and self-criticism—the monster is the only real solution. Other approaches may offer temporary relief, but they often become circular traps. The slippery mind spins in self-doubt, rationalizations, or emotional paralysis, unable to muster the strength to face fear. The monster, however, doesn’t care about excuses. It does what needs to be done. It eats what it needs to eat.

Awakening the Monster Within

The monster doesn’t wait for permission or external validation. Its power is already within you, but most of us have buried it under societal expectations, guilt, and fear of our own strength. Your most important mission is to awaken this monster and unleash its energy to break free from whatever is holding you back. Once awakened, your next challenge is to train it, channeling its raw power toward your personal freedom and growth.

The monster becomes critical when:

Addiction takes hold:
It doesn’t negotiate or rationalize cravings. It cuts through dependency with an instinctual force to break free.

Anxiety overwhelms you:
The mind spirals into endless “what-ifs,” but the monster charges forward, immune to overthinking or fear.

You’re stuck in dependency or poor boundaries:
The monster empowers you to say no and prioritize your needs without guilt or hesitation.

Self-doubt paralyzes you:It silences the endless loop of doubt and worry, shifting focus to action.

Rumination or self-criticism dominates:
The monster doesn’t dwell on the past or fixate on imperfections. It moves forward, leaving shame and self-reproach behind.

You fear rejection or failure:
The monster doesn’t fear the opinions of others. It eats rejection and failure for breakfast, knowing they are fuel for growth.

The Language of the Monster

The monster doesn’t think in words, rational arguments, or moral reasoning. It communicates through images, sounds, and sensations, bypassing the slippery and overly analytical mind. To awaken and train this part of yourself, you must speak its language:

Visual Experiences:
Heroic imagery, epic movies, and powerful montages show the monster what courage looks like. Watching someone else take bold action activates the part of your brain that says, “I can do that too.”

Auditory Cues
Music with strong beats, epic crescendos, or empowering lyrics stirs the monster into action, bypassing doubt and hesitation.

Sensory Experiences:
Physical activities—cold water immersion, intense exercise, or grounding practices—connect you to the monster’s raw, physical energy, bringing its presence to life.

Resilience in Adversity:
Adapting to setbacks and maintaining focus on long-term goals.

Your job is to create an environment that speaks directly to the monster within, giving it the tools to rise and act.

When Morality, Empathy, and Logic Fall Short

In certain situations, morality, empathy, or logic can become obstacles to growth. While these higher-order functions are essential in many contexts, they often paralyze us when bold, fearless action is required. The monster, in contrast, is unburdened by these considerations. It acts instinctively to do what’s necessary.

Examples include:

Escaping a Toxic Relationship:
Empathy might convince you to stay, hoping the other person will change, while logic might rationalize their behavior. The monster, however, recognizes the danger and knows it’s time to leave.

Taking a Career Leap:
Morality might whisper that it’s selfish to prioritize your happiness, but the monster understands that risks are necessary for growth and fulfillment.

Setting Boundaries:
Empathy might make you feel guilty for saying no, but the monster knows that self-preservation and well-being come first.

The monster is not cruel or reckless; it simply prioritizes survival and growth over comfort and social expectations.

No One Is Coming to Save You

The monster holds a hard truth: no one is coming to save you. Waiting for external rescue—whether from a partner, an expert, or divine intervention—keeps you stuck in cycles of dependency and passivity. The monster within knows that the power to change your life lies solely in your hands.

Self-interest is essential:
Taking care of your needs is the foundation for strength and resilience.

Discomfort and risk are unavoidable:
Growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone. The monster thrives in uncertainty, driving you to act even when it’s uncomfortable.

Training Your Monster for Emancipation

Awakening the monster is only the beginning. To truly benefit, you must train it to act in ways that support your long-term freedom and growth:

Start Small:
Begin with manageable challenges—set a boundary, take a small risk, or prioritize yourself in a situation you’ve avoided.

Engage the Senses:
Use visual montages, empowering music, and physical activities to keep the monster active and alert.

Create Rituals:
Establish daily habits that connect you to this primal force, such as journaling, visualization, or movement practices.

Trust Instincts:
The monster doesn’t overthink—it acts. Learn to trust that instinctual wisdom and let it guide your decisions.

The Monster as Your Lifeline

In moments of crisis, fear, or stagnation, when logic falters and emotions overwhelm, the primitive brain—the monster—is the one that will save you. It doesn’t care about pleasing others, seeking approval, or overanalyzing outcomes. It moves forward, unapologetically, doing what is necessary to protect you and move you toward freedom. The monster’s strength lies in its ability to bypass the endless loops of doubt, shame, and fear that often hold us back. It’s not about recklessness or selfishness; it’s about recognizing that your survival, happiness, and growth depend on embracing this primal part of yourself. The monster is your lifeline. Awaken it, trust it, and let it guide you to the life you deserve.