Neuroplasticity
Can you remember the first time you learned to ride a bike? Or how about the first time you learned to drive? It might have seemed like a challenging, complicated task at first. You may have made a lot of mistakes in the beginning but as time went on and you practiced more and more, you gradually got the hang of things, became more confident, and eventually, the process of riding a bike or driving a car became second nature. Similar to what we discussed in the last post (1% rule-small consistent steps leading to big gains over time), an activity that once felt difficult became easier with repetitive practice, effort, and persistence.
This is neuroplasticity at work, showing us the brain’s ability to adapt and change through learning and practice. The term “neuroplasticity” refers to the brain being similar to plastic, in that it can be molded and reshaped again and again over time.
Although it was believed in the past that the brain only changed during childhood and afterward was “set in stone” as an adult, research now shows us this is not the case. We can alter the neural pathways in our brains throughout our life and change the brain at any age through the pursuit of new information.
When we embrace the concept of neuroplasticity, it helps us to cultivate a growth mindset - the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes that intelligence and abilities are fixed, essentially saying there’s no hope you’ll ever improve, which as we know does not have to be true.
In the next post, we’ll explore more of what it means to have a growth mindset, as well as share some tips on how to cultivate one.
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We are located in Richardson, TX in a beautiful office building that features a modern, cool, and calming atmosphere. There is also a walking trail that connects to a park which is great for mindfulness, processing, grounding, and reflection.