How Emotions Shape Our Decisions More Than We Realize

Have you ever made a choice based on a strong feeling rather than a logical analysis? Maybe it was a split-second decision during a thrilling moment, or perhaps it was a significant choice influenced by the excitement of something new.

In fact, our emotions — particularly excitement — play a much larger role in shaping our actions than we often acknowledge. When we say someone “might be raised by something exciting,” we mean that their emotions, sparked by something engaging or thrilling, have changed their thinking or actions.

This article dives into the fascinating ways excitement affects decision-making, why it happens, and how understanding this process can lead to better choices in our daily lives.

We’ll explore examples from consumer behavior, business strategy, and personal relationships to highlight how excitement-driven choices are both powerful and sometimes risky.

Why Excitement is a Powerful Influence

Excitement is one of the emotions that quickly captures our attention. Unlike fear or anger, which can feel constraining or tense, excitement has a way of motivating us. When we’re excited, we feel energized, open-minded, and eager to take action.

This emotional state is rooted in our brain’s reward system, where the release of dopamine fuels our desire to pursue activities that seem beneficial or pleasurable.

Studies show that the promise of a reward — like buying a new product, landing a dream job, or planning a vacation — can raise dopamine levels in the brain. When our brains are under the influence of dopamine, we tend to focus less on potential risks and more on potential rewards. This helps explain why excitement can sometimes lead us to make impulsive choices.

Example: The Psychology of New Purchases

Think about the thrill of purchasing a new smartphone. Even before you have the device in hand, the thought of upgrading, with its promise of new features, might already be exciting. But that excitement can also overshadow the cost or practical needs.

Many people end up with features they never use or regret the price later. This common scenario shows how excitement can not only affect what we buy but also how much we’re willing to spend.

In this case, retailers know that excitement drives purchases. That’s why you often see new gadgets advertised with words like “revolutionary” or “exclusive.” These words are chosen because they spark curiosity and excitement, encouraging us to act quickly.

Emotional Impact on Business Decisions

Businesses, too, are impacted by excitement, often in ways that can have major financial consequences. Decision-makers might be drawn to new and exciting projects that promise significant returns, even if they involve high risks. However, the excitement can blind them to the reality that some projects, while thrilling in theory, may not be feasible.

In business, excitement-driven decisions can be beneficial when they fuel innovation and creativity. For example, companies like Tesla and SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, thrive on ambitious goals that excite not just the team but also investors and the public.

These bold visions create a high-energy environment that can drive progress and innovation, but they also involve risks. Musk’s projects are sometimes criticized for over-promising or setting unrealistic timelines, yet the excitement he generates keeps momentum high and draws in support.

Case Study: Startups and Innovation

Startup culture is fueled by excitement. Entrepreneurs often start with a passionate idea, envisioning a product or service that could change the world. Investors get drawn in, fueled by excitement about being part of “the next big thing.” This emotional charge can lead to groundbreaking innovations, but it can also lead to problems.

In the early 2000s, many startups in the tech industry promised revolutionary new business models but failed when the excitement ran out, or reality set in. Many companies were founded on a surge of enthusiasm but fell apart when they couldn’t deliver on their promises. The lesson here is that while excitement can generate the energy needed to start something new, it must be balanced with realism.

The Role of Excitement in Personal Relationships

Excitement also plays a crucial role in personal relationships. The early stages of a romantic relationship, often called the “honeymoon phase,” are filled with excitement and intense emotions. These emotions create a strong bond and lead to heightened levels of intimacy and trust.

However, as the relationship matures and the initial excitement fades, some people may struggle to adjust to a more stable, less thrilling phase of the relationship.

The Impact on Long-Term Relationships

In long-term relationships, maintaining excitement is often challenging, but it’s essential for sustaining connection. Studies in psychology show that couples who engage in new or thrilling activities together can rekindle feelings of excitement and improve their relationship satisfaction.

For instance, couples who try new activities like hiking, dancing, or cooking together often report feeling closer and more connected. This illustrates that while excitement is typically strongest in the beginning, actively creating it can help maintain strong, lasting bonds.

Excitement as a Catalyst for Personal Growth

One of the often-overlooked benefits of excitement is its role in personal development. When we’re excited, we’re more likely to embrace new experiences, push our limits, and grow. This can apply to learning new skills, traveling to new places, or meeting new people.

Take learning a new language, for example. At first, the idea of speaking a new language might feel thrilling. This excitement can help overcome initial challenges, like pronunciation or vocabulary. However, to keep learning after the excitement fades, many people need to find new ways to stay motivated, such as setting achievable goals or finding a study partner.

Excitement is also a strong motivator in fitness and health. Many people feel energized and motivated when they start a new workout program, often fueled by visions of achieving their fitness goals. Yet, as the initial thrill wears off, they may find it hard to stay committed. Fitness experts recommend focusing on smaller milestones and celebrating each achievement to maintain excitement over time.

The Downside of Excitement-Driven Choices

Excitement, while powerful, can sometimes lead to poor decisions. When people let excitement cloud their judgment, they might overlook important information or ignore red flags. For example, investors who are overly excited about a “hot stock” might pour money into it without thoroughly researching the company’s financial health or potential risks. This kind of impulsive investing has led to financial losses for many.

Similarly, some people make major life decisions — such as moving to a new city or taking a new job — based on excitement alone. While these choices can be rewarding, they can also lead to dissatisfaction if not carefully considered.

Excitement and Impulse Control

One reason excitement leads to impulsive actions is that it activates the part of the brain that seeks immediate rewards. This is why we’re more likely to make quick, potentially irrational decisions when we’re excited. Neurological studies show that people under the influence of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical released during excitement, often have a decreased ability to delay gratification.

For example, a person might choose to buy a new car because of the excitement of owning it, even if it leads to financial strain later. Understanding how excitement affects impulse control can help people make more balanced decisions.

Managing Excitement for Better Decisions

Learning to manage excitement can help individuals make better choices, especially when it comes to high-stakes decisions. Instead of letting excitement drive impulsive actions, people can use it as a source of motivation while still weighing risks and benefits. Here are a few practical ways to do this:

1. Pause and Reflect: When feeling excited, taking a moment to reflect on the decision can help avoid impulsive actions. Even a short pause can provide clarity and reduce the influence of excitement.
2. Seek a Second Opinion: Discussing the decision with someone neutral can help balance emotions with logic. This person can offer a fresh perspective and may notice details that the individual missed in their excitement.
3. Consider Long-Term Impact: Visualizing the outcome of a decision over time can help shift focus from immediate excitement to longer-term implications. This can prevent choices that might feel good in the short term but lead to regret later.

The Power of Knowing When to Act on Excitement

Excitement is a valuable emotion that can inspire us to try new things, push past fears, and make bold moves. It has fueled some of the world’s greatest achievements and can be a powerful motivator in our own lives. However, understanding when and how to act on excitement is key to making decisions that benefit us in the long run.

Whether it’s a major financial decision, a relationship choice, or a personal goal, being aware of how excitement shapes our behavior can help us navigate life with greater awareness and control.

Recognizing the influence of excitement allows us to harness it wisely, creating a balance between passion and prudence. So, the next time you feel that surge of excitement, remember: while it might lift you up, make sure it’s taking you where you truly want to go.

In the end, excitement isn’t just an emotion — it’s a tool, and knowing how to use it can transform both our small, everyday choices and our biggest life decisions.