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These notes capture key points from "The Power of Neuroplasticity" by Shad Helmstetter. These are for my personal use, but you might find them useful, too.
Your thoughts can influence changes in your brain, a concept derived from the field of neuroscience. It's observed that your brain can rewire itself based on your thoughts and it doesn't remain fixed once you reach adulthood. Its plasticity allows it to adapt even in old age - yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. If you want to change your life, you need to rewire your brain. This rewiring is a continuous feedback loop. You can program your future self by focusing on your desired outcomes, and your brain will then unconsciously guide you toward them. For instance, if you ruminate negatively about an upcoming presentation, you're likely to perform poorly. You would perform significantly better if you had approached it with a positive mindset. Ultimately, you become what you think about most.
The direction you want to go is more critical than where you've been. Many people tend to focus on what they can't do. Instead, we should rewire our brains to think about what we can accomplish now. The more you repeat a thought, the stronger the pathways in your brain become. It's a case of 'use it or lose it'.
Your environment also plays a role in rewiring your brain, but this can sometimes result in unfavorable outcomes. The world feeds information into your mental computer according to its whims. Mirror neurons fire when we observe another person's behaviors. This is why you yawn when someone else yawns. It's not just actions that get copied, but also feelings and attitudes. When other people influence your thoughts and actions, it's as though they're programming your brain. We have a 'copycat' brain that helps us learn and adapt to the world, forming the basis of empathy.
Choose the friends you spend time with carefully because they can influence your thoughts. Others' opinions are based on their perspectives and not necessarily aligned with yours. While they may not affect your goals and values, they can provide different viewpoints that are worth consideration when you're open to new insights. It's about exercising independence and choosing your influences wisely. Be aware that even television, if left running in the background, can subtly shape your thoughts. Question its influence and consider if there are better ways to spend your time. Your environment can affect your mood, success, and psychological well-being. Choose hobbies that nourish your mind in desirable ways.
Be mindful of your brain's autopilot mode, which often makes decisions unconsciously, like craving a dessert. It's important to consciously override these automatic behaviors. We're often so preoccupied that we rely on autopilot mode without considering who we really want to be. We need to take charge of our attitudes and feelings. It's a matter of discerning between the mind and the brain.
The seven crucial elements for cultivating a positive mindset are:
They all work together, so apply and practise of all of them.
"Mental noise," also known as the "monkey mind," is an indication of our active brain; these voices are not your true self. By listening to them, you can choose what to accept and what to ignore. It's like your mind running on autopilot. These voices are the programs stored in your brain over the years. They critically influence over 90 percent of your decisions. The way you talk to yourself programs your brain. Negative self-talk can be self-detrimental, while positive self-talk can be constructive. Conscious positive self-talk is the source of success and is always effective. The way you talk to yourself can mean the difference between success and failure. Listening passively to positive self-talk in the background can be beneficial, as well as before a meeting or other significant events.
Attitudes can form either good or bad habits, and altering these attitudes can be beneficial. Attitudes can be controlled by our will, a choice that we can actively make. Foster and practice positive neuronal pathways, as it's a case of "use it or lose it." For example, anger and jealousy are automatic attitudes that we can control by mindfully thinking about them. We are not born with these attitudes; we learn them. Make a conscious choice about your attitude for the next day on the night before.
With this clear and mindful choice, you'll have a better day laying down the construction lines to be built with repetition. Ask yourself, "Who is directing my attitude now?" and recalibrate as needed. Music is a safe and accessible means of initiating positive attitudes. It can be used to help associate a particular action, such as writing or programming, with a positive attitude. The easiest way to change an attitude is through self-talk.
Top attitudes to wire in (post them at the wall to remember them):
To train your brain:
Each of these attitudes helps to wire and pattern your brain for growth. Actively participate in activities that reinforce these attitudes, repeat them, and keep doing them. Real focus is not a casual event. The activities should be fun but must also present a reasonable challenge. Think of it as growing a garden, but with your brain's neurons. The more emotional involvement you have, the stronger the rewiring will be. Love your activities and approach them with enthusiasm.
Meditation changes the physical structure of your brain. It's a focusing tool for your mind.
Meditation is about letting go of expectations. Every practice is unique and personal.
E-Mail your comments to `paul@nospam.buetow.org` :-)