Hello! I am João Barros, psychoanalyst, and I am here to explore with you a fascinating theme: rationalization. Have you ever caught yourself creating logical justifications for behaviors or decisions that, deep down, are motivated by emotional impulses? This is more common than you think, and understanding how it works can be liberating.
What is rationalization?
Rationalization is a psychological defense mechanism that allows us to justify actions or decisions that are not necessarily based on logic or reason, but in emotions, desires or fears. It is as if our brain created a “story” to explain why we did something, even if this story is not all true.
For example, imagine that you have bought an expensive gift for yourself and are now justifying yourself by saying that “you deserve” or that “is an investment in your happiness.” Although these justifications may have some merit, they may also be a way of rationalizing a consumer impulse.
Why do we rationalize?
We rationalize for several reasons. One is to avoid feelings of guilt or regret. If we did something we are not proud of, we can create a justification to convince ourselves that it was the right thing to do. Another reason is to maintain a positive image of ourselves. If we admit that we act on emotional impulses, it may seem that we are not as rational or responsible as we would like.
In addition, rationalization can be a way of dealing with anxiety or stress. If we are facing a difficult situation, we can create justifications to feel better or to avoid making difficult decisions.
Examples of everyday life
Rationalization is present in many aspects of our daily lives. For example, imagine that you are avoiding a work project because you are afraid of not being able to do it well. Instead of admitting this fear, you can say that “there is no time” or that “other projects are more important.” This is a way of rationalizing your behavior to avoid facing the challenge.
Another common example is the justification for eating unhealthy foods. You can tell yourself that “deserves a rest” or “needs energy” when, in fact, you are simply following an emotional boost to eat something tasty.
Overcoming rationalization
Learning to recognize and overcome rationalization can be liberating. This does not mean that you need to be perfect or that you cannot make mistakes. Yes, it means that you can become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and make decisions more aligned with your true values and goals.
One way to start is to practice self-reflection. When you catch yourself by creating justifications for something, stop a moment and ask yourself, “Is that really true?” Or “I’m just trying to convince myself of something?” This break can help you identify when rationalizing and considering other perspectives.
Also, cultivating empathy with yourself is also important. Remember that it is Okay to have emotional impulses and make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from these experiences and use this wisdom to make more informed decisions in the future.
In short, rationalization is a natural part of our psychology, but recognizing it and overcoming it can make us more authentic and conscious people. By better understanding how and why we rationalize, we can develop a more honest relationship with ourselves and others, and live more aligned with our values and goals.
