We will do more to avoid pain than seek pleasure.
The Research Shows: Avoiding pain often takes precedence over seeking pleasure due to the way our brains are wired. Avoiding harm or pain is crucial for survival. Our brains are finely tuned to detect and respond to potential threats in our environment. This innate instinct helps ensure our safety and well-being.
Additionally, pain can have more immediate and intense consequences than pleasure. For example, physical pain alerts us to potential danger and prompts us to take action to avoid further harm. In contrast, the pleasure we experience from certain activities may be more gradual or less urgent in nature.
EXAMPLE: My story of how "We do more to avoid pain than seek pleasure." impacted me.
I get a physical exam every year. Each visit my doctor suggested I lose a little weight. He said I would look better, feel better, and be healthier. I tried for years to lose five pounds and failed.
Several years ago I was hospitalized for six days with spinal stenosis. (I'm Okay now, but don’t put that on your wish list!) I saw a number of doctors and one said, "You’re diabetic." I replied, "No, I’m pre-diabetic." He responded, "I’m an endocrinologist. Trust me, you’re diabetic."
I know what diabetes can do. I had a sister-in-law who lost and eye and leg to this disease. A friend recently passed away from the effects of diabetes.
Instantly, I went from being aggravated by my internist telling me to "Lose weight" to "Open Checkbook, Washington University Med Center. What do I have to do to beat this?" I started diabetic counseling, watching documentaries, and reading 'Nutrition Labels' on foods before purchasing. I’m proud to say my blood sugar level is under control and I’ve reached my weight goal.
So . . . Applying this to Presentation Topics:
The title of my book and signature speech is not: "How to Give a Good Speech" or "Speaking 101." It is: "NO SWEAT Public Speaking!"
A title that conjures up a bit of fear and something we seek to avoid!
Follow this advice for your presentation topics, and I guarantee they will be absolutely, positively - NO SWEAT!
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