About this quote

Biological impulses frequently hijack rational decision-making when high-stakes emotional situations arise. Human biology is poorly optimized for multitasking under pressure. Why do smart people make incredibly foolish mistakes when they are excited or attracted to someone? Recognizing this physical limitation helps you step back before making a choice you will regret tomorrow. Real self-control starts with admitting your attention is a finite resource.

When to use it

• You are talking to your buddy who just agreed to lease an expensive sports car to impress a first date he met yesterday. You say this to get him to slow down and think clearly.
• A male colleague is about to send a highly flirtatious, risky message to a coworker in another department. You pull him aside to talk some sense into him before he hits send.
• Your roommate is spending all his rent money buying expensive VIP concert tickets to impress a girl who barely knows his name. You use this line to break his trance.