Episode 339: The Neuroscience of Decision-Making (And Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs)

It’s Mandy Fisher here, your Voiceover actor and creative coach. Today I want to dive into something that’s been on my mind a lot: how the neuroscience of decision-making can help us as actors and creative professionals. Because we’re not just making choices in auditions or on stage. We’re making decisions every single day that shape our careers, relationships, and—let’s be real—our self-worth.

How the Brain Guides Our Creative Decisions

Let’s talk brain science for a sec. The prefrontal cortex? It’s the part of the brain handling complex thoughts and decisions, like our personal command center. Think of it like that alien in Men in Black—the one sitting up front, pulling the strings. Then there’s the hippocampus, which stores memories and helps us imagine what’s next. They’re constantly in conversation, helping us weigh options and see potential outcomes.

Understanding how these parts of the brain work together is powerful. It reminds us that strategic thinking isn’t just some abstract idea. It’s already woven into the way our brains work, whether we realize it or not.

A Simple Challenge to Build Strategic Thinking

I want to offer you a challenge. Pick one decision you’ve been dancing around—something big or small, doesn’t matter. Think about the risks, the rewards, and what those future scenarios might look like. Then go ahead and make the decision. After a week, check back in with yourself. How did it feel? What did you learn?

This exercise can help you see that you’re already more strategic than you give yourself credit for. It’s about bringing that awareness to the forefront, so you can start making choices with more clarity and intention.

Limiting Beliefs: The Invisible Blocks to Your Success

But here’s the thing: decision-making isn’t just about what’s outside of us. It’s also about what’s going on inside. I’m talking about those limiting beliefs. You know, the ones that say, “I’m not good enough,” or “There’s too much competition.” These thoughts show up for so many of us in the acting world.

These beliefs often come from past experiences, family dynamics, or even well-meaning but misguided advice. And they can really hold us back if we’re not paying attention.

Another Challenge: Reframe Those Old Beliefs

So here’s another challenge. Name one limiting belief that’s been lurking in the background. Ask yourself: Is this really true? Where did it come from? Then see if you can reframe it into something more helpful. Like changing “I’m not good at public speaking” to “I can improve my public speaking with practice.”

Write it down. Repeat it to yourself. And take one small action that lines up with that new belief—like volunteering for a presentation or sharing your work with a trusted friend.

Living Authentically in Your Acting Career

At the heart of all of this? It’s not just about making smart moves. It’s about making choices that feel authentic to you as an actor, as a creative, as a human. When you understand how your brain works, and when you let go of those old beliefs that no longer serve you, you start to make decisions that feel more like you.

So that’s my invitation: try these challenges. And if you do, I’d love to hear about it. Shoot me an email at [email protected]. I love hearing from actors who are ready to ditch the autopilot and start building careers that actually feel fulfilling.

If you know someone else who might need this gentle nudge, pass it along. Let’s keep this conversation going.

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