Algorithms

We hear the word “algorithms” in relation to social media, but believe it or not, it also applies to your social and personal life. The same way your swipes, pauses, and interactions influence what content you’ll be shown online, your daily choices influence what will show up irl (in real life). 

Think of your life choices as a self-directed algorithm. Whatever you choose to do signals to your brain that it was the “right” choice and helps ingrain that pattern. But sometimes there are no “right” choices. If you’ve had a long day, it isn’t the “right” or “wrong” choice to pick up dinner on the way home. It was simply your choice. And once you do it, it becomes easier to do it the next time, then the next. You’re choosing to tell your brain that this is a preferred process. 

Algorithm: a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.

Now, draw this out into other areas of your life.

How do you talk to yourself? The words you say begin a process that will become easier to follow time after time. If you speak kindly to yourself, you’ll be likely to do that more often and show yourself more compassion. 

Who do you surround yourself with? You collect more people like that as you go on in life. You’re self-selecting your social algorithm. So, surround yourself with people who reflect the qualities you value and want to call into in your life. 

Think of a time when someone or something you were thinking about just SHOWS UP. Isn't it like when you say something out loud and you magically get ads for it? Chances are that in thinking about that subject, you subconsciously took steps to bring yourself closer to the opportunity to interact with it. 

This is sometimes called the Law of Attraction and while the Law of Attraction is still considered pseudoscience, there are some logical things you can take away from the theory. 

If you want to paint a masterpiece, you start by getting some paint and studying works you want to emulate. 

If you want to read a book, you start by buying or borrowing one. 

If you want to play an instrument, you start with one note. 

In other words, you attract the outcome you want with your actions. And your actions influence your brain’s processing system. So, over time, your self-directed algorithm aligns you closer to the outcomes of your actions. 

Just as social media machines alter your experiential algorithm for what your actions express that you’re interested in, your brain — which is also a type of computer — alters your lived experience based on your actions. 

As we continue to embrace this new year, how can you become 1% Better at influencing and controlling your own self-directed algorithms in a positive way? Can you speak kindly to yourself? Can you be the one to plan social outings instead of waiting for an invite? Can you start by admitting about loud what it is that you want in life and thinking about how to move towards it? Even taking a mental step in the right direction is a step. Always remember you are in charge of your own algorithms and how you choose to experience life. 

With gratitude,

Natalie