Unbecoming

Your life is a stream of consciousness. The Engineer in your brain processes sensory information, constantly updating the Driver to guide your actions. This system, built on past experiences, adapts to new input, shaping how you make decisions.

A senior citizen has a lifetime of data to work with. They’ve seen it all, and little surprises them. A child, on the other hand, has fewer experiences, and each new one holds more weight, like a startup constantly adapting and evolving.

But this isn’t the full picture. Humans are built to adapt. We can plan for the future, solve problems, and make intentional changes. This is where the Architect comes in.

Finally, there’s the Narrator, the voice inside your head. It rationalizes the decisions made by the Driver, giving you a sense of free will and identity.

Together, these systems form what you consider “you.”

So, what would it take to change your life? To course-correct and avoid inevitable challenges?

Change feels simple, yet it’s often hard. We think we have the power to quit bad habits or start good ones. In practice, we often find that its much harder than we think.

In truth, we’re often trapped by the systems our brains have built. Our lives flow like a river, guided by the choices of the Driver. But if we’re so free, why is change so difficult?

Changing your life, however, can be simpler than you think. You have the power to adjust the inputs coming into your brain. Imagine swapping out your environment—removing toxic influences, or making it harder to access things that hinder your growth. The key is small, consistent changes.

You won’t succeed without a clear plan. Vague goals like “snack less” or “eat smaller portions” won’t work. The Driver will quietly steer you off course unless you commit to a structured approach.

For example, losing weight isn’t about turning the Architect into a dictator. You won’t succeed with a drastic, unsustainable diet plan. The key is gradual, consistent changes. Start by tracking your habits, adjusting one small thing at a time. Make it easy—hide tempting foods, or cook meals with fewer spices. Slowly, the Engineer rewrites the Driver’s code, and you’ll adapt.

A stone placed perfectly can divert an entire river. Change starts with small steps, but over time, those steps can transform your life.