Rationalization: A Dangerous Defense Mechanism Sabotaging You

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

The mind can be your best friend. But it can also be your worst enemy.

It’s your choice. 

If you choose to be honest with yourself, then your mind will help you solve problems, develop new ideas, and point you toward a brighter future.

If you’re not honest with yourself, then your mind will cause you great pain.

There is a strategy your brain uses, regardless of whether you’re honest with yourself or not. Your brain uses this strategy to justify good behavior and bad behavior.

Let’s discuss this strategy now:

What is rationalization?

Rationalization is the act of justifying or explaining behavior using logic and reason. 

It’s a defense mechanism that’s used to justify behaviors and feelings, even bad ones. Defense mechanisms are coping strategies your brain uses to “protect” you against anxiety and stress-creating thoughts. These defense mechanisms are the gate between your internal struggles and external stressors. 

Using logic and reasoning is a good thing. These tools are an essential part of persuasion. Without logical reasoning, emotion would be the primary driver of persuasion. Emotions are fickle. They are easily manipulated. But that’s a topic for another day.

Why is rationalization dangerous?

Rationalization is dangerous because it’s used to justify any behavior, both good and bad.

People use rationalization to justify continuing bad habits such as “one more cheat meal isn’t going to hurt me.”

People also use rationalization to justify destructive ideas. They’ll justify these ideas by saying things such as, “Everyone else supports this, it’s normal.” Or, “So and so said it, they’re a respected expert so it must be true.”

But people rationalize far more sinister things too. For instance, criminals justify their criminal activity by weighing the costs and benefits of committing a crime. They’ll reason that the benefits of committing the crime outweigh the potential costs of committing it. This is how petty thieves all the way up to murderers justify their behavior.

Rationalization is dangerous if you use it to justify bad behavior. It’s self-deception.

In other words…

Rationalization is a fancy way of saying “excuses.”

Excuses are a defense mechanism your mind uses to “protect” you against perceived potential danger. They reduce the blame you have for making bad behaviors. People use excuses to justify their bad behaviors. 

For instance, a common excuse used when someone doesn’t want to do something is, “I’m busy.” The truth is, most people have the time to do the things they say “I’m busy” to. They don’t want to make the time.

Excuses are also used to outsource your responsibility to another person or thing. A common excuse you’ll hear is, “X made me do it!” 

Wrapping up

Be careful rationalizing your behaviors. And think critically when others rationalize their own behaviors too.

Rationalization isn’t inherently a bad defense mechanism. But it is dangerous. 

Lying to yourself is a surefire ticket to destroying your confidence and self-esteem. And this will filter its way into every aspect of your life. You’ll regret it.

Instead, be honest with yourself. Catch yourself when you’re slipping up. A great way to do this is through self-reflection journaling. Ask yourself hard-hitting questions and be honest with your answers. This is how you can overcome your mind’s desire to rationalize bad behavior.

Use rationalization at your own risk.