How the Amygdala Hijacks Success—and How to Take Back Control

August 26, 2025

The amygdala, a small but powerful part of the brain, reacts to fear in the same way regardless of the situation. In some cases, this reaction is life-saving, preventing truly dangerous or reckless behavior. However, in many everyday situations, the amygdala can “hijack” the brain and hold people back from opportunities that could actually benefit them.

Take the fear of public speaking, for example. For professionals seeking to expand their reach, build a stronger audience, and increase revenue, speaking in front of groups can be a vital skill. Yet the amygdala often interprets this as a threat, triggering anxiety, avoidance, or even procrastination. Similarly, this hijack can appear when making a sales call, asking for a raise, or stepping into other high-visibility opportunities.

When fear takes over, the brain convinces itself that avoiding the task is safer—even when the risk is only perceived. The result is procrastination, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress. For entrepreneurs, this might look like tidying the house instead of launching a podcast, or starting a side project instead of finally recording that long-planned video.

The good news is that the amygdala can be calmed, and the brain can be retrained to respond differently. One of the most effective techniques is simply having a direct conversation with the brain. Asking questions like, “What exactly am I afraid of?” or “What is the worst that could realistically happen?” helps bring subconscious fears to the surface. Often, the realization follows that rejection, failure, or imperfection is not life-threatening—rather, it is part of growth.

Mind mapping can also be a powerful tool. By writing down fears, emotions, and potential obstacles in a freeform way—without worrying about neat, linear notes—the brain processes the information more creatively. Words like “intimidation” or “anxiety” scribbled across a page can help externalize hidden emotions, making them easier to analyze and reframe.

It is also important to recognize that fear is not always rooted in the present. Deep-seated beliefs, often shaped in early life, can contribute to these automatic reactions. For example, someone who grew up being told to “be quiet” may carry lingering anxiety about speaking up. Identifying these roots allows for greater awareness and, over time, the chance to rewrite the narrative. The more these positive mental conversations take place, the more the brain begins to accept new patterns: This isn’t scary. This is training. This is learning. Over time, the amygdala’s power to hijack weakens, making space for clarity, courage, and success.

Fear doesn’t have to dictate the outcome. The next time the amygdala tries to hijack progress, pause and take three clear steps:

  1. Name the fear. Write down exactly what feels threatening about the situation.
  2. Challenge it. Ask, “What’s the worst that can really happen?” and “What could I gain if I succeed?”
  3. Act small. Take one simple step forward—make the call, draft the email, schedule the recording.

By actively engaging with the brain—through self-questioning, reframing, and writing—individuals can shift their mindset from fear to growth. Failure then becomes not a setback but a stepping stone, a learning experience that builds resilience and prepares the mind for future challenges. When you break the cycle of procrastination with small, intentional actions, the brain begins to learn that fear is manageable—and that progress is possible. Over time, these small steps build confidence, retrain the amygdala, and open the door to bigger opportunities.

-Julie "Brain Lady" Anderson