Your strongest muscle and worst enemy is your mind. Train it well. ~ unknown
We train our bodies, our dogs, and now we even train our computers through AI. So why not train our brains? For those of us in the “growth mindset” camp, brain training is almost a daily occurrence with no age limit. For those believing they are limited, think again!
Let start with some basics on how the brain works. “When the brain forms memories or learns a new task, it encodes the new information by tuning connections between neurons.” (1) The connections are called synapses. As you grow, learn, and have new experiences, the brain’s connections can change. The ability of our brains to adapt is called plasticity. For this reason, we should always consider a “growth mindset.” The plasticity of the brain allows for the growth mindset to become a reality. Encouraging new learning can help you see the world in different ways.
How does the brain use theses synapses? Our brains will use these connections as short cuts, and without adding new links or changing existing connections, your mind will grow stagnant.
Neuroscientist Beau Lotto, who specializes in the biology and psychology of perception, studied how the brain uses the context (connections.) He says, “this means that the more you engage with your world, the richer your history of response will be for helping you respond usefully.” (Lotto, 69) Without connections, your brain will fill in the blanks and makeup stories. Even with connections on a topic, you still run the risk of missing information. So, keep adding to your brain’s library.
Read more.
Listen more.
Get out (after the isolation lifts) more.
Experience life to expand your library . . .
You have every reason to believe in a Growth Mindset. Continue to grow, and please share your thoughts. An interactive audience enables learning for us all.
(1) http://news.mit.edu/2015/brain-strengthen-connections-between-neurons-1118
(2) Lotto, Beau. (2017). Deviate: The Science of Seeing Differently. New York, NY. Hachette Book Group, Inc. Pg 69.
Consider This Thought 
Nice blog post. I am a fan of Carol Dweck’s work around a growth mindset. I love the brain science piece. Recently, someone within a group I’m working with discussed the importance of working to change neuropathways, which you underscore as well. However, you also point out the need for constant learning to ensure a pathway is even there as absent that we essential “make up things.” 🙂
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