The vast majority of people like to think they live their lives and choose their actions based on their logic and reason. But in actuality, most decisions are based on ones’ emotions and internal state.

The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in 1891 said, “When it comes to a battle between the will power and the imagination, your imagination will win hands down every time.” And your imagination is ruled by memories, self-talk, mental images and your emotions.

The amazing motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, “People justify their purchases with logic but they buy on emotion.” Oh so true. You may use some logic to talk yourself into doing or not doing, but really you take action (or don’t) because of how you feel about those choices or that decision.

For instance, why do you drive the car or truck that you drive? Because it feels appropriate to you; it’s something that felt right to you.

Many will say, “Oh no, not me! I bought it because it’s logical. Or, I need this truck for my work.” Sure, that may be true. Maybe you do use it for work, but it felt like the right vehicle for you—or you’d never have bought it.

So you justify logically what you did on emotion.

What about your clothing? The style of pants, shirts, dresses, coats, etc. you wear. Do you wear the same style of clothing as your 14-year-old child does? And you’re 55 years old? If you do (or don’t) it’s because that appeals to you and feels right for you to be wearing that.

These decisions are the pain or pleasure principle at work. You do what you do because you have an emotion that says this is the right thing.

What about the way you wear your hair? Again, you have your hair the way you do because of how you feel about that hair style versus other possible styles. It gives you a certain feeling to have your hair look that way. Whether you shave your head, let your hair grow down to your feet, or anywhere in between those two, you have the hairstyle you have because it feels like the right thing for you.

How come you live in your current location in the house or apartment you do? You are there because it’s a comfortable to you. The job you work, the friends you have, all the hobbies and toys you’ve collected over the years, you have them all because they felt like the right things for you.

We justify our purchases with logic but we buy on emotions. And the emotions that drive us or that we buy on are about either avoiding discomfort or pain, or gaining positive feelings or pleasure.

Be careful what “buying decisions” your emotions prod you to make. Those emotions can take you down a very slippery slope if you aren’t careful.

Feeling confident, enjoying your life and being successful doesn’t happen by accident. Starting today you can begin building a powerful mindset that takes you ever closer to the attitude and mental control you want.

Check out “The Keys to Building a Winning Mindset”