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VukKiller t1_iwzi2qg wrote

Jokes on you. I trained my autopilot to do some tasks better than me when I'm focusing on them.

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Natty_Vegan t1_ix0dt2q wrote

Ditto. Driving a digger is one of them. If I activley think about what I'm doing, I start to make mistakes with the controls, if I force myself to zone out a little bit I'm super fluent

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[deleted] t1_ix0wp7z wrote

[removed]

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Euphoric-Blue-59 t1_ix135oq wrote

About as bad as advice gets.

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Vemena t1_ix17uc8 wrote

From personal experience, I do think he has a point somehow. Here in the Netherlands we have something called “trajectcontrole”, this measures your average speed over a few miles and if your average is too high, you’ll get a fine. The thing is; everyone is driving almost the same speed, so there’s not a lot happening to pay attention to (plus like 50% is looking at their smartphones). But when I’m speeding (10 to 15 mph above limit), I’m watching everything like a hawk. Anticipating the moves other drivers might make and act accordingly.

Just my 2 cents from personal and relatives experience.

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ink-cartridge t1_ix14mob wrote

Funnily enough speeding decreases collisions for this reason, however speed kills so you are still more likely to die or kill someone in a crash.

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Youfokinwatm8 t1_ix10oum wrote

Same with me as well... Wonder why that is?

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ladylurkedalot t1_ix13r92 wrote

When you zone out, you engage in a flow state and use your muscle memory to carry out your intentions. When you're actively thinking what to do, you're also spending time second-guessing that muscle memory, which can make you hesitate or mess up.

At least that's what I think, I'm not an expert or anything.

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Youfokinwatm8 t1_ix14u4o wrote

Makes sense to me, internet stranger.

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Gzer0 t1_ix1aapa wrote

Is there a term for this or a proper detailed description/wikia?

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BeenThruIt t1_ix088yq wrote

Most tasks. Try doing any higher-functioning task without it and you will fail miserably. From playing an instrument to video games to driving. Think too much and they become impossible.

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Vallarfax_ t1_ix0k45d wrote

Yep. Try playing an FPS game like Apex. Consciously thinking about the buttons you need to press to mantle, reload, crouch and jump over an opponent while firing and aiming. Promise it will go horribly lmao its pretty cool really

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drunkemonkee t1_ix0yfdv wrote

Yep, I think that's called the flow state.
Not actively thinking too much, more using muscle memory and repeating what you know.

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DeargZireael t1_ix0nufo wrote

I'm a lead singer and I feel this. I learned how to sing most lyrics I know on autopilot, and sometimes when I actively pay attention to some songs I'm singing I start messing up the words and melody. It's hella weird.

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foreversadmigraines t1_ix0rfj3 wrote

Same! It also happens while playing guitar, there are a lot of riffs the I can’t play if I’m paying attention.

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m-p-3 t1_ix0zhlr wrote

That's me when speaking another language than my native one. I'll struggle to make proper sentences if I think too much about it, but I won't have any problem if I relax.

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live4lax25 t1_iwzfxxf wrote

You think my autopilot is an idiot??? Whew boy, I’ll show you idiot

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lober t1_ix00fgz wrote

This comment got me for some reason lol

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TVotte t1_iwzjm1b wrote

I am pooping right now

I don't want to think about that too hard

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DigNitty t1_iwzwsvw wrote

I’m surprised you can poop while consciously breathing AND blinking

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konwex t1_ix01n3m wrote

I hate you 😠

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Pure-Newspaper-6001 t1_ix04hif wrote

You can feel your tongue now

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WhyIHateTheInternet t1_ix0ppyp wrote

How are those wet bones treating you?

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ho-lee_-sheet t1_ix04m05 wrote

Just don't do either till the autopilot is reset while you try to get air inside with watering eyes

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IHaveNoTact t1_ix04vww wrote

And that, kids, is why we need fiber in our diets!

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SonOfTed t1_iwznkv1 wrote

You can also teach your autopilot to be smarter. It's called habits and muscle memory.

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Sonova_Vondruke t1_ix027np wrote

Then explained "flow" or "being in the zone".

A state of consciousness that isn't conscious at all but often performs better, simply be we do not hesitate to course correct... Often making decisions that end up in error... But when we just allow training to take over, perform nearly perfectly.

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Tianoccio t1_ix0y7a2 wrote

I was going to say when I have to actually think about my job I’m slower when I’m not thinking about what I’m doing I’m literally one of the best in my industry.

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WilliamTake t1_ix16mqi wrote

What do you do for a living and in what industry if I might ask?

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Tianoccio t1_ix198dl wrote

Something physical that’s well practiced.

Bartender.

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moontealight91 t1_ix1622k wrote

I’d say it’s complete opposite with flow more so being a state of intense engagement, focus and contentment in the present moment and current activity. You’re more present, cognizant and aware of your actions.

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RollItMyWay t1_iwzzngs wrote

It all depends on the programming. If an idiot trained your autopilot that’s what you get.

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jamiexx89 t1_ix0j5ek wrote

I think the key is to realize everyone's autopilot was programmed by an idiot and, now that they're (hopefully) smarter than that idiot, they can reprogram it more efficiently.

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PrinceHumperTinkTink t1_iwzvm26 wrote

>LPT: Think before you do things.

Gee... thanks for the amazing tip. 🙄

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Metallkiller t1_ix15dzr wrote

This is like, 80% of "methods" and stuff for software development. Just different wordings.

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12jonboy12 OP t1_iwzy464 wrote

Seems like you abbreviated my post on autopilot if that's what you think I was saying 😂

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Tylendal t1_ix0bo0o wrote

Yeah, no. That sounds incredibly mentally taxing. Just be wary of highway hypnosis, and keep on cruising.

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Tahoma-sans t1_ix0drtt wrote

Yeah, the autopilot is there for a reason, we cannot 'think' so much.

It can be trained to do better though.

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shotgun509 t1_ix0ozy5 wrote

In fact that is what 'training' really is. Presumably that is why the term "slow is smooth, smooth is fast" exists. Thinking through something is incredibly inefficient but allows you to build muscle memory, hopefully allowing autopilot to do the task at full speed

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yhnc t1_iwzomxu wrote

This post is autopilot.

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decrementsf t1_iwzhg50 wrote

Your autopilot central nervous system is powerful but repeats only what inputs you feed it. There exist buttons and lever control panels to influence the dumb system and make it smarter. While we're swimming in more good information than ever on the internet, it tends to be hiding below more distracting or bad information than ever. Huberman Lab's channel does a great job distilling available research into protocols, summary rules-of-thumb, for finding the buttons and levers.

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Metallkiller t1_ix15m0s wrote

So I'm drunk and tired right now, how do I find that tomorrow, look for hubermanns lab? Summary rules of thumb? Is it a channel on YouTube?

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DigitalSteven1 t1_iwzxv1t wrote

It would be impossible to live life if everything you did required conscious, intentional, decision.

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woahdudde t1_ix03jk1 wrote

There’s a fantastic book about this concept called “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman. Highly recommend!

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mexicanred1 t1_ix0qaov wrote

Also Mel Robbins's book: The Five Second Rule

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verycleverman t1_ix11hk1 wrote

Also blink by Malcolm Gladwell but it's basically saying that autopilot is better than active thought especially when well trained.

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mexicanred1 t1_ix12ral wrote

Oh that's a great counterpoint. Good habits are supposed to be & should be automatic or autopilot reinforced whereas Bad habits and negative thinking need to be broken out of through methods like the five second rule or prayer & fasting or whatever other tools you have. Thanks for that addition; that brings it full circle!

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Felteezy t1_ix19851 wrote

This is exactly what came to mind. System 1 and system 2!

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OgdenEnigma t1_iwzf11p wrote

Tell that to my ADHD. 😂 j/k

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decrementsf t1_iwzgybj wrote

Focus is a skill. You can improve it. Instead of resistance training with weights, the resistance training is with systems and habits. Artistotle starter pack.

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oktin t1_iwzu15g wrote

It must be nice to have executive functions.

But telling someone with a broken arm to lift weights won't help them.

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Background-Chapter80 t1_iwzwdkd wrote

Now that ADHD is so commonly diagnosed everyone apparently has no executive function. How the fuck did people get by for the past few hundred years then?

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oktin t1_iwzxb85 wrote

ADHD isn't a problem for, like farm hands working before tractors and such took over. But now that our brains are the only really monetizable asset, the added strain is preventing traditional coping mechanisms from working.

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Background-Chapter80 t1_iwzxlqg wrote

I acknowledge that some people have a real problem but I think it is over-diagnosed. Maybe if people didn’t raise their kids using iPads as their main parenting tool, people would have actual attention spans.

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Tiny_Rat t1_ix00rde wrote

That doesn't really explain the number of 30-40+ year old people who are getting diagnosed for the first time now thay we've gotten better at recognizing what the symptoms look like in adults, particularly women.

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Background-Chapter80 t1_ix04dug wrote

At a point it stops being a condition if so many people supposedly have it though

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CaptainAsshat t1_ix06kfi wrote

Or it's an environmental condition we need to address.

Lots of people contracted the black plague, that didn't make it any less real or serious.

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decrementsf t1_iwzx81j wrote

The actions of people with broken arms have been awarded the medal of valor. You're never out of the fight.

You can always find the exception. In most cases you're dealing with a mental prison, a human operating system performing poorly usually assigned to you. Mental prisons can be walked out of. There's no lock at all. You can rewrite your human operating system replacing it with a more useful one.

A human operating system is a framing of how to see the world. Generally a story for yourself that guides behavior. A framing does not have to be true to be useful. A motto, creed, or affirmation for organizations usually use a storytelling structure because they're imprinting an operating system for behavior.

Consider the operating system used by Navy Seals to imprint the operating system of behavior. How would you behave if every day you woke up and read this outloud? You can sit down and think through what behaviors you prioritize. Write your own storytelling exercise to reinforce the traits of the person you would respect and admire. Maybe it's the simplest possible action. I went outside today and got a haircut. Tomorrow I talked to a person. The next, I applied for a job. Start with the smallest possible action. Then build up. Every day I take a bad habit, and roll it into a slightly better habit. That takes on a compounding return on investment of its own that carries you far.

Social media has allowed for faulty operating systems to spread easily. This is why it feels like we're surrounded by more people doing worse than ever. Humans are designed for scarcity. We're learning to develop the language to describe the ailments from too much information abundance. Learning about the nature of human operating systems is one of the levels up you can see clearly now.

> United States Navy SEAL

> In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed.

> Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life.

> I am that man.

> My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

> My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

> I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men.

> Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

> We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

> I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

> We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me – my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

> We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

> Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.

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oktin t1_iwzze5d wrote

ADHD is a physical problem that can be seen in MRI's: Hardware issue, not software. While symptoms can be reduced by similar tactics, "normality" is impossible.

I've tried similar things with little results in the past, but I can try again. I'll see how long I can keep it going.

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TVotte t1_iwzjwcz wrote

Leave me alone and let me play Minecraft

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c0mputerRFD t1_iwzim80 wrote

Whatever you are saying is getting my tits all hard but, how do you do it ???

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Wolfrages t1_iwzz83m wrote

I would like to thank my autopilot for continuing to let me breathe, let my blood flow, and processing toxins. 👍

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Remoru t1_ix0800t wrote

You must not have anxiety: moments of autopilot are a rare blessing indeed

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12jonboy12 OP t1_ix08pu5 wrote

Actually I find them in autopilot the most during times of panic and panic attacks.

My higher level brain functions are consumed with kicking myself being mad at myself oscillating through different forms of hindsight, well my poor autopilot is trying to keep the s*** from hitting the fan and usually makes it worse

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SomeoneElseNoReally t1_ix04xp6 wrote

Wtf does this mean?

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alwayquestion t1_ix0d0zz wrote

I actually disagree. Plan ahead to autopilot as much as possible to avoid decision fatigue. Routines, meal planning, capsule wardrobe etc. autopilot as much as possible so you are fresh and ready when you have an important decision.

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TesserTheLost t1_ix0jvya wrote

I ask myself 100 times a day, "what am I doing right now?". I learned this from The Heart of Buddha's Teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh. Mindfulness makes me perform better at work and I feel happier performing my day to day tasks instead of being in my head winning a fake argument from an interaction I had 2 years ago.

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oatmeal28 t1_ix0xh0m wrote

I loved this book as well as his other works

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No_Bet_3328 t1_ix015oq wrote

"Everyone's autopilot is *on idiot." 😂😂

Interesting post, interesting comments. 😄🍿

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[deleted] t1_iwzn74w wrote

Jokes on you, I can sleep and walk at the same time. My autopilot software is better than Tesla’s autonomous driving software.

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the_good_pun t1_iwzu58f wrote

This Is Water by David Foster Wallace

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brainwater314 t1_ix0lzs7 wrote

Life's easier when you know everyone's autopilot is an idiot, and you forgive yourself and others for mistakes. Don't think you can avoid mistakes, but you can prevent and mitigate damage by your mistakes with a bit of preparation. E.G. don't put in the address of who to send an email to until you've double checked the email. Don't store anything in the oven, but check before preheating anyways.

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InTheEndEntropyWins t1_iwzpmys wrote

Sometimes autopilot is an idiot sometimes it's great.

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12jonboy12 OP t1_iwzqexq wrote

Sometimes it can be EXTREMELY competent, on something it knows how to do as long as there are no curve balls.

Just like a Roomba vacuum, does the job extremely well until a dog poops on the floor, and the Roomba will just keep on doing what it's doing and spread the crap all over.

Autopilot cannot deal with surprises big higher level decisions or remember things

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Dr_Octahedron t1_ix00e0t wrote

Driving's a good example too. Driving on autopilot works fine until something unexpected happens

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fibbonaccisun t1_iwzswxx wrote

I’m cursing myself cause I did something so naive and stupid, guess I’m always on autopilot

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Burekba t1_ix04ur2 wrote

Thanks that stupid guy was doing the breathing for me i guess its time to take back my body. were his last words

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Columbus43219 t1_ix078zh wrote

Ironically, I didn't make it all the way through that title.

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Zephandrypus t1_ix0cada wrote

Yeah right, I play pretty much any game involving quick actions better when I’m only half paying attention. League of Legends, Call of Duty, World of Tanks, your mother, etc.

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HammieBs t1_ix0nj1g wrote

Sounds like you took some drugs

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flowerpanes t1_iwzmrz8 wrote

Walking along forest trials is my tough one. I want to see everything and yet, tend to stumble on rocks,roots,etc. I have to consciously remember to look down and see what’s on the trail ahead of me since my head just wants to stay up and just go. The last thing I need is a broken wrist or wrenched ankle so it’s sometimes a battle!

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ackillesBAC t1_ix03b7b wrote

Some call this System 1 and system 2. And your correct the auto pilot system 1 controls an incredible amount of what we do. And system 1 is extremely easy to manipulate

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gnomulus t1_ix09hmf wrote

My autopilot locks the door and goes out but then it’s my focused self’s turn to go back to check if the door is truly locked.

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throwaway387190 t1_ix0dxdq wrote

Get cancer, have your parasympathetic nervous system be damaged

Have to take executive function of every task

Makes you really good at picking up new physical skills

Learn firedancing, poledancing, knife throwing, lockpicking

Profit

1

yungthundermane t1_ix0eh1o wrote

Need to show this to my co worker who is an idiot lol

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quasi_aesthetic t1_ix0gd40 wrote

My autopilot tried to open the front door of my apartment by pressing unlock on the key fob... for my car... twice. He's definitely an idiot.

1

Furifufu t1_ix0gsg6 wrote

I'm on autopilot most of the time and I just can't imagine how boring life would be without it

1

MickJagger2020 t1_ix0n4t4 wrote

Oh no. Sooo backwards. I always like to go into autopilot right before I do a good brain surgery. Or you know, wait tables.

1

GardenRave0416 t1_ix0pwab wrote

Depends on how well trained your autopilot is. If you're at work, the autopilot is nice to have well trained and on most of the time. The method I have is intentionally and methodically making fail-safes for unforseen issues that could come up. Like finding 2 number that should match and don't, so my autopilot and be turned off just long enough to identify what needs to be done and switch to that specific autopilot and switch back to the standard when the task is over. I hope this makes sense, because this feels a little unhinged.

1

xLosTxSouL t1_ix0td2i wrote

If you are a determinist this pro tip is actually kinda useless lol

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heraclitus33 t1_ix0w4ej wrote

Nah brah... 100% better on autopilot. Theres no second guessing.

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IsaacNewtongue t1_ix0z91b wrote

So that's what I've been doing these past 10 years.. ignoring my autopilot!

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BettyBornBerry t1_ix0zb8t wrote

How does one improve the auto pilot function?

1

anon3451 t1_ix0zwpg wrote

It's called your subconscious which is responsible for 95% of your actions behaviors feelings abilities etc. and developed through your life especially in childhood to understand the universe, whether it actually serves you or not. 5% of our thinking is conscious. You don't consciously think what muscles to contract when you reach for an object. As a baby you had to zigzag back and forth with your little hand until the successful pattern was recorded and imitated in future trials. Now it belongs to the subconscious

1

HarpertheHarbour t1_ix10fxo wrote

Idk, breathing seems a lot harder when I start to think about it...

1

[deleted] t1_ix10sa6 wrote

Book recommendation:

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Also contains related information about how autopilot is used to manipulate you: Influence the Art and the Science by Robert Cialdini

Deeper reading: Strangers to Ourselves by Timothy D. Wilson.

1

Riska89 t1_ix11esz wrote

I get pretty bad brainfog, I'd be so lost without being on autopilot.

1

fatamSC2 t1_ix11rm0 wrote

Depends how small you're talking. Sometimes if you try to actively think about every little thing you're doing you end up being klutzy and would have done better on autopilot

1

0xCC t1_ix11t60 wrote

I'm thinking there's some truth to this, but the post is so fucking vague as to be utterly useless.

1

FallWithHonor t1_ix11x8g wrote

Mindfulness 100.

Thanks. I like this tip.

1

RephRayne t1_ix1226k wrote

Question for OP:-

I've turned off autopilot and I don't know how to breathe, please sen

1

SirThatsCuba t1_ix129gq wrote

You think too highly of my autopilot.

1

Foreign-Cookie-2871 t1_ix12tb7 wrote

Corollary to the LPT: behave always as you want to behave when on autopilot, as you will copy your "most used" way of doing stuff when on autopilot. The most notable example is with traffic. Don't run semaphores when red, don't cut street turns, use blinkers every time, watch carefully before turning.

1

rdmille t1_ix137pk wrote

When it first showed in college, my autopilot drove all the way across Dearborn, right past the computer store I needed to visit.

About 10 years ago, it drove on I-40, almost all the way across Texas.

1

MrYellowfield t1_ix13gaa wrote

Autopilot is a nice feature to have tbh. I like not thinking about how I should walk, or how I am supposed to go up stairs, or thinking about closing the door. It's pretty nice to do these things automatically. But if it comes to the point that you are in autopilot in conversations and it hinders you from performing daily tasks, then you should try to do something about that.

1

pm_me_your_rigs t1_ix1437i wrote

This fact was solidified when I moved to a country with right hand drive vehicles

Took me a while to not go to the 'wrong' side.

Then I moved back to left hand drive countries and I still went to the "wrong' side of the car. Lol

1

bozitybozitybopzebop t1_ix14p5a wrote

Tangential:

"The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, & breeds reptiles of the mind."

-- William Blake

My older brother marries his opinions.

A simple example: He claims that SNL sucks because it's not as good as the original cast.

The writers and cast have changed a bazillion times over the years, and he just keeps repeating this. He hasn't even watched SNL in over a decade.

It's lazy, autopilot thinking.

It's the same thinking as when people never get over their racism and other prejudices.

1

Modemus t1_ix152cr wrote

"Live less out of habit, and more with intent"

1

ZBOI_456 t1_ix15afh wrote

This guy just made a lot of people worse at things

1

CYBORBCHICKEN t1_ix15cbp wrote

I wish I'd known how to put this into words for so long

1

morewhoregramma t1_ix163ne wrote

Not true. I've been dissociative my whole life and my auto pilot is A+ #1.

1

tennesseewaltz t1_ix17baz wrote

My autopilot is way smarter than my conscious mind. No matter how blackout drunk I get, I always wake up somewhere warm and safe with my keys, wallet, and phone with me.

1

kinboyatuwo t1_ix1807v wrote

Driving is one of the most risky. This is coupled if you are taking a frequent trip and route at a similar time. A prime example is when you stop and go through a stop sign. Most of the time it’s clear. That one time it isn’t your brain just goes on auto pilot and you get “they came out of nowhere”.

Easy way I was taught by a driving instructor was vary things a bit if you can. Often just mixing up a route a bit can help.

1

bygtopp t1_ix1860n wrote

Autopilot back and forth to work. Forgot anything that happens. Daily monotonous chores.

1

gooftrupe t1_ix1b0h9 wrote

Somebody read “Thinking Fast and Slow”

1

Flair_Helper t1_ix1b28e wrote

Hello 12jonboy12, thank you for your submission! Unfortunately, it has been removed for the following reason:

Your post is not a life pro tip. Advice is any guidance or recommendation concerning prudent future action. An aphorism is a short clever saying that is intended to express a general truth or a concise statement of a principle.Try r/YouShouldKnow.

If you would like to appeal this decision please feel free to contact the moderators here. Do not repost without explicit permission from the moderators. Make sure you read the rules before submitting. Thank you!

1

bmanley620 t1_iwzz95b wrote

Just gave this a like without even thinking what I was doing. Autopilot confirmed

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keepthetips t1_iwzcgqw wrote

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!

Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.

If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.

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