Rewiring your Brain for Success
Do you ever wish you could break free of old habits that aren’t working?
Making a change is easier said than done. Luckily, recent studies in neuroplasticity are proving that the seeds of change live in all of us. We all have the ability to rewire our brains for success because of neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity is a medical term that describes the brain’s ability to continually create new neural paths, as well as disconnect the paths that are no longer used. Like a road map, these neural pathways add to the physical structure of our brain. They connect our beliefs, thoughts and feelings to our behaviors and reactions. Some neural pathways are highly used, while others are used more sparingly. Research indicates that these pathways are not set in stone; they can be changed at any time or any age!
By rewiring your neural pathways, you can let go of old, unhealthy habits and create new, healthy ones. Here are some ways to harness the power of neuroplasticity and form new roads to success:
Practice mindfulness:
Mindfulness helps you become aware of your internal experience without judgment, so that you can have more control over the path of response you want to take. How can you do this? Start by noticing your environment and what is around you. What thoughts, feelings, and sensations are you experiencing? Simply observe without reacting or judging. Use your five senses to improve your observation skills. Then, describe your experience without using labels or judgments. It can be helpful to say this out loud. “I am observing that I feel anxious. I had the thought that I am in danger. I notice that my heart rate is speeding up.” Next, throw yourself into each experience and stay in the “now.” Integrate your observations and descriptions into what you are doing. Open yourself up to every experience without judgments or expectations. Break free from your self-critical thoughts or habits so you can make the best choice for you.
Never stop learning:
Whether it’s a new DBT skill, a new Tik Tok dance or reading a new book, be open to learning something new. Try something different, just to see how it goes. There’s so much in the world to discover! Every learning opportunity has the potential to reconnect neurons and change your brain’s pathways as a result.
Focus on growth:
Maintain a growth mindset—a mindset in which you believe that your reactions, skills, and abilities can be improved upon with determination and effort. When you focus on growth and believe in your ability to continuously improve, you are more likely to succeed in making a change. Keeping a growth mindset allows you to be more open to the idea of neuroplasticity and the possibilities it brings.
Reduce stress and take care of yourself:
We all have stressors in our life. Some stressors are temporary, while others linger for longer than we would like. Stress makes it difficult for your mind to flourish, and for neuroplasticity to do its thing. How you can lessen the impact of these brief stressors, and strengthen your ability to withstand the enduring stress? Take care of yourself. Get quality sleep each night and eat foods that are good for you. Take time every day to practice self-care, whether it’s relaxing on the couch with a book, taking a bubble bath, or going for a walk outside. When you prioritize your physical and mental health, you are better equipped to form improved neural connections.
Retraining your brain and creating new neural pathways isn’t an easy feat. Humans stick to the comfort of routine, and your brain will unconsciously try to take you on common neural pathways, even if they aren’t the best options for you, in order to avoid the discomfort of change.
Luckily, the study of neuroplasticity proves that you can actively improve your brain’s neural connections. Each time you choose a different response to a difficult feeling or thought, you increase the odds of your brain taking that path again. With time and practice, you can rewire your brain and take a pathway towards success.
Source: O’Conner, Richard PH.D: Rewire: Change Your Brain to Break Bad Habits, Overcome Addictions, Conquer Self-Destructive Behavior