The Surprising Science of How Lies and Truths Get Easier Over Time

Here’s something both fascinating and a little unsettling.

When we tell a lie—just a small one—our brain throws a tiny tantrum. The amygdala, that little almond-shaped part of your brain responsible for emotional alarms, lights up like, “Whoa, we don’t do this!”

You feel it in your gut. The tension, the flutter, that faint whisper of guilt saying, “This ain’t right.”

But here’s where it gets tricky. Tell another lie, and the reaction is not as dramatic. It gets quieter. A third lie? Quieter still. Eventually, your brain stops protesting. The discomfort fades. What once felt wrong starts to feel… normal.

And that’s the scary part. Because the brain is built to adapt. It’s a survival machine. And sometimes, survival means convincing ourselves we’re fine—even when we’re not.

The Good News: It Also Works in Reverse

Now here’s where the story turns hopeful (and honestly, kind of cool).

The same brain that normalizes deceit can also normalize courage. Every time we tell the truth—especially when it’s uncomfortable, awkward, or vulnerable—we rewire the pathways that connect honesty to fear.

We train the amygdala to stand down and say, “Hey, we’re safe here. We can tell the truth and still belong.”

In other words, every small act of honesty strengthens your emotional resilience and your leadership integrity. Courage becomes less of a heroic event and more of a daily rhythm.

Why This Matters at Work (and Everywhere Else)

When you lead people, collaborate with others, or even just talk to yourself in the mirror—you’re shaping your personal truth.

When truth-telling feels safe, teams innovate faster, trust deeper, and recover quicker from mistakes. But when avoidance or half-truths creep in, the cost isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic. Creativity shuts down where fear takes root.

So if you want a culture of courage, start with micro-truths.
Say the thing that needs saying. Own the small mistake. If something stinks, say that it stinks!!

Because every time you do, you’re not just telling the truth—you’re teaching your brain (and everyone watching you) that honesty is a form of strength, not risk.

The Bottom Line

Our brains adapt to what we practice. Lie often, and deceit gets easier.  Tell the truth often, and courage gets easier.

The question isn’t whether your brain is rewiring—it’s what you’re training it for.

A Question for You…

What stories are you telling yourself about your business?

That everything’s fine when it’s not? That next quarter will magically fix what last quarter didn’t? That burnout is just part of the gig?

Maybe it’s time for a reality check.

At Fuel Accountants, we help business owners replace wishful thinking with clear-eyed strategy and action. If you’re ready to trade comforting stories for honest data and courageous action—call us. We can help.