Fear. Anxiety. Stress. Tension.

Introduction to F.A.S.T. Emotions

Our emotions, particularly those I refer to as F.A.S.T. emotions (fear, anger, sadness, and temptation), often overpower us, leading to impulsive decision-making. The choices we make significantly shape our lives, both retrospectively and prospectively. These F.A.S.T. emotions have historically triggered impulsive actions that originally served our survival needs. But why do we still react so quickly, potentially complicating our lives with these inherent impulses?

For much of human history, fear, anger, sadness, and temptation have triggered primitive, instinctual responses crucial for survival, such as the "fight, flight, or freeze" response of our sympathetic nervous system. This is a survival mechanism found in humans and animals. This stress response assures all animals, including humans, that their needs can be met. It involves releasing cortisol, a stress hormone, which prepares the body for quick action.
It's important to understand the difference between our needs, wants, and desires. Needs are essential for survival, like food and shelter, providing contentment. Our needs motivated us for the majority of time on earth, there was little else to consider. Wants are things that provide comfort, convenience, entertainment, and amusement, providing us happiness. Desires are deep emotional longings, like the joy that comes into our lives when we have good relationships with others. While F.A.S.T. emotions were once crucial for survival, they can now lead to harmful impulsive decisions. Managing these emotions can reduce anxiety and improve our relationships. Imagine the benefits of not reacting impulsively to these emotions.
What if we could choose not to react quickly? In the past, instinctive reactions were essential for survival. But as our basic needs got met, the parasympathetic nervous system — which promotes calmness — started to balance our stress or ‘fight, flight, or freeze’ responses with contentment. Unlike animals, humans think beyond survival. We reflect on past experiences and plan for the future, which affects our decisions.
Humans have moved from focusing just on survival needs to pursuing complex wants and desires. These are elements of backtothepresent.org’s Critical Understandings (Figure 2-Critical Understandings-Satisfactions, States of Emotional Well-Being, and our Sources of Knowledge) These are many of the tools that motivate free choice and thus, decision-making. This is why they are Critical Understandings. Our expanded consciousness lets us experience more than the contentment that occurs when our needs are met. We can achieve happiness and joyfulness, which are important motivators when decision-making.

The Power of Choice.

As we began to rely on others, our decision-making grew complex, incorporating intuitive and intellectual knowledge alongside instinct. This evolution expanded our consciousness beyond the present moment, allowing us to contemplate our future. These developments challenge us to make well-informed choices, utilizing our expanded knowledge and awareness.