The first chapter of The Happiness Hypothesis by psychologist Jonathan Haidt is called “The Divided Self.” He explains a dichotomy between Elephant and Rider as a metaphor for the human self.
The Elephant is our emotional side and the Rider is our rational side.
The Elephant “has its finger on the dopamine release button” and the Rider is an advisor.
The Elephant provides the energy and the Rider provides the planning and direction.
On its own, the Elephant exerts great energy and stampedes around, without direction. And the Rider, without his Elephant, would just sit around and overthink things.
In order to move forward you need the energy and drive of the Elephant. And in order to move in the right direction, you need the planning of the Rider.
If the Rider could somehow build a very deep canyon, just wide enough for the Elephant to fit into. And then whisper to the Elephant, “Just move forward, big guy. Don’t worry about what’s behind you. Don’t try to break down the canyon walls. Just keep moving forward.”
Let your Rider mind and rational long-term planning be involved insofar as you are building the canyon and setting the path with no alternate routes. Just make sure it is pointed in the right direction. Then let your Elephant run and rejoice in the freedom of just running and stretching his powerful muscles without worrying about where he’s going, because he trusts the Rider.
Source: Jonathan Haidt, The Happiness Hypothesis.