If you're thinking or planning to do one thing, but then randomly do another you either have too much emotion or not enough emotion/energy to translate your thoughts into action.
Handy visual called Yerkes Dodson Law helps you to see why.
Energy/emotion is too low = you suck.
Energy/emotion is too high = you suck.
To be at your best - at the top of that curve - requires finding the right balance of energy, emotion, intensity, stress, motivation.
There's no randomness to it, just like there's no randomness to why your emotions are too low or too high.
The effectiveness and preciseness of the Yerkes-Dodson Law
The Yerkes-Dodson Law, formulated by psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dillingham Dodson in 1908, suggests an inverse U-shaped relationship between arousal (or stimulation) and performance. The law states that performance increases with physiological or mental arousal, but only up to a certain point. Beyond that point, as arousal continues to increase, performance begins to decline.
The effectiveness and preciseness of the Yerkes-Dodson Law have been widely debated in the field of psychology. While the basic principle of an optimal level of arousal has received empirical support in various studies, the exact point of optimal arousal can vary between individuals and tasks. What might be an optimal level of arousal for one person or one type of activity may not be the same for another.
Additionally, the factors influencing performance are complex and multifaceted. Different individuals may have different optimal arousal levels based on their personality, experience, skill level, and the nature of the task they are performing. The relationship between arousal and performance is also influenced by other factors, such as task difficulty and complexity.
The Yerkes-Dodson Law is a useful concept for understanding the general idea that both low and high levels of arousal can have negative effects on performance. However, its practical application can be challenging due to the individual differences and contextual factors involved.
To effectively utilize the Yerkes-Dodson Law, individuals and organizations can consider the following:
Self-awareness: Individuals need to be aware of their own optimal arousal levels for different tasks. They can experiment and identify the arousal levels that lead to their best performance.
Task characteristics: Recognize that different tasks may require different levels of arousal. Simple or routine tasks may benefit from higher arousal levels, while complex or creative tasks may require a lower level of arousal.
Stress management: Excessive stress or anxiety can negatively impact performance. Learning and applying stress management techniques can help individuals maintain an optimal level of arousal.
Individual differences: Understand that optimal arousal levels can vary between individuals. Some people may perform better with higher levels of arousal, while others may excel with lower levels. It's important to consider personal preferences and characteristics when applying the Yerkes-Dodson Law.
Overall, while the Yerkes-Dodson Law provides a useful framework for understanding the relationship between arousal and performance, its precise application and effectiveness depend on the individual, the task, and other contextual factors.
Source: Jared Tendler, L