Free Won’t (Truby Achievements Nudge)

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Last Updated on August 18, 2025 by Bill Truby

It’s easier for your subconscious mind to say “Yes.” But true learning and growth must often come from saying “No.”

Scientific research consistently shows that our subconscious mind controls at least 95% of our day. We are on autopilot more than we know or care to admit. Our subconscious mind is making default decisions for us most all the time; decisions about how to act, what we want, and how we feel. But where does the subconscious mind get the criteria for its choices?

The only criteria our subconscious mind has for making choices is past learning. If a hot stove burns our fingers, we don’t have to think about it the next time we approach a stove. Our subconscious is already programmed to make us cautious. Tying our shoes, brushing our teeth, even driving a car; all are more efficiently done by our subconscious mind governing the process.

But our subconscious mind can receive faulty learning or information too.  A mother telling us we don’t look good in red, can be accepted by our subconscious mind as “truth” and create an avoidance of red clothes when shopping.

And here’s something disturbing. Most of the input our subconscious gathers for making its automated decisions is obtained before we reach 6 years old. At this early age we don’t get a chance to choose whether the input is valid or not. We simply accept it and perpetuate it.

So today, when presented with the implied question, “Hey, subconscious mind…shall we do what we’ve always done; believe what we’ve always believed; feel the way we’ve always felt?” The answer is a decided “Yes.” Our subconscious simply makes a decision driven by pre-determined preferences. Ancestors, parents, culture, society, friends, and every experience we’ve ever had, all have filled our subconscious mind with data that directs choices.

Our subconscious mind is not a logical “evaluator.”
It is an emotional “perpetuator.”

Scientists say we don’t really have “free will” because of the power of our subconscious mind. But we do have what some authors and scientists call “free won’t” – the ability to say “No” to our subconscious inertia. The subconscious will rule the conscious UNLESS we choose to not let it. At any time we can turn off the autopilot.

This Nudge is to stop and observe. Take into account what your subconscious mind is choosing. That awareness will give you a second choice, the choice to say “No” to a subconscious choice that perpetuates a bad habit or faulty information. Practice saying, “No, I will choose something different, better, healthier – saner.” This will give you greater freedom and growth. After all, it turns out that “free won’t” is the only way to have “free will”.

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This article is part of our ongoing Achievement Nudge series—short, witty, and often inspirational articles to spark your personal and professional growth. Explore more nudges on our blog, or sign up for our weekly Nudge and News email. Each edition includes an Achievement Nudge plus leadership, professional development, and personal growth videos and articles to keep you inspired and on track.

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