What happens when the amygdala is in charge?

I have written about the amygdala earlier. But it's too important to leave it at that.

The amygdala is a small almond size part of the brain which is the centre for emotions, particularly fear. Specifically, the amygdala is concerned with 2 things: that you stay alive and that you procreate. Whenever it considers that either of these is in danger, it takes over and creates panic and paralysis.

There is a constant tussle between the amygdala and creativity.

Creativity, by definition, is venturing into something new, something exciting, and hence, it activates the amygdala which instead prefers the certainty of the status quo.

The way to disarm the amygdala is to acknowledge sincerely what it perceives as a threat and emphasise that your project will not kill you.

Building a healthy relationship of understanding with the amygdala is vital to building longevity in our creative careers.