Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and change. The brain makes these changes by creating new brain cells (e.g., neurons) and connections through a process called neurogenesis.
Researchers initially thought that only a child’s brain could create new neurons. However, studies have shown that the adult brain also uses neurogenesis to produce neurons and create new connections.
Embracing the Growth Mindset and Its Benefits
It's this science around neuroplasticity that gives us the ability to adopt a growth mindset and then make personal changes. Science gives us this power, and this choice.
Once we embrace a growth mindset, we can:
Acquire new skills.
Conquer challenges.
Eliminate old habits.
Adjust to life's transitions.
There are a variety of positive aspects associated with accepting a growth mindset and then making personal changes.
Positive aspects may include:
Living life without ongoing stress.
Relationships that are more fulfilling.
A renewed sense of purpose.
An improvement in our mental and physical health.
Increasing the likelihood that we will achieve our goals.
Recognizing and Challenging Self-Limiting Beliefs
Our current routines and beliefs can get in the way of us embracing a growth mindset. And while a belief that may be limiting you today was actually created as a way to serve you before, it’s important to recognize that self-limiting beliefs may disrupt our brain’s ability to create neurons and make new connections, and our fulfillment in life and overall health may begin to decline.
And this can lead to the development of potentially destructive behaviors (e.g., substance abuse, struggling to control our anger), which can make it even more difficult for us to achieve personal growth.
Want lasting stress relief but don’t know where to start?
Expanding Comfort Zones and Taking Calculated Risks
As creatures of habit, we frequently develop routines. We create habits to be efficient. Once created, we rarely deviate from them because it’s as if we’re on automatic pilot. However, by nurturing flexibility and adaptability in our thinking, we can learn to expand our comfort zone and foster a growth mindset.
Tips for fostering a growth mindset:
Do a typical task, just vary it a bit. For example, if you usually have dinner at a particular restaurant, change it up by choosing a new one.
Consider pursuing a new challenge, like learning a new language.
Expand your thinking by socializing with new people. This activity may expose you to a variety of viewpoints.
Take up a new hobby. For example, learn how to paint, start your own blog, or become a volunteer.
Maximizing Personal Growth Opportunities Through Neuroplasticity Techniques
Facilitating the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can help us maximize our personal growth.
BDNF is a protein that regulates the birth of neurons and helps start the process of creating new synaptic connections. BDNF accomplishes this by strengthening the signals the neurons transmit to one another. However, since brain-derived neurotrophic factor is not abundant, the neurons must compete for this protein. Those that receive an adequate amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor survive, and those that do not will die.
To improve our personal growth, we can use neuroplasticity techniques to promote the release of BDNF.
Neuroplasticity techniques that we can use to promote the release of BDNF include:
Participating in new activities — learning how to climb at an indoor rock-climbing facility.
Having positive social interactions — attending a theatrical event.
Spending time in stimulating environments — taking a walk on the beach at sunset.
Practicing positive activities, even if they are just practiced mentally — envisioning a bright future for yourself.
Finding a sense of purpose — becoming a mentor for disadvantaged young people.
Performing mental-training activities — meditation.
As newly created neurons use the brain-derived neurotrophic factor to build strong connections with one another, they help to overcome the older neurons. In essence, the brain uses these new neurons to rewire itself. By creating robust connections between our neurons, we can develop new memories, skills, mindsets and abilities.
Life Coach Andrew O’Brien provides support and empowers stressed out adults as they move toward creating the life they want. If you would like to learn more, relieve your stress, feel more confident, build healthier habits or define your North Star, please schedule a free information call with The Mindblowing Coach, Andrew O’Brien, MBA, SHRM-SCP, BCC, NBC-HWC.
