Up until several decades ago, scientists thought our nervous system was fixed and incapable of regeneration. However, we are learning that we can reshape our neural pathways to make us more successful and happy. Scientists call this neuroplasticity and it involves the rewiring of neural circuits in our brain. Even more amazing, what you think about can have as much power as what you actually do. When I was younger and my piano teacher asked me how much practice I'd done, I would tell her that I'd done not much real practice but a lot of imaginal practice. While she never accepted that, scientists at Harvard Medical have shown that there was more truth to my statement than even I had thought. They conducted a study with volunteers who were asked to learn and practice a five-finger piano exercise. Half of the volunteers were asked to actually practice two hours per day for five days. The other half merely thought about practicing, holding their hands still while playing the music in their heads. At the end of five days, both groups underwent a neural stimulation task allowing scientists to infer the function of the neurons. It turned out that the same area of the motor cortex, involved in piano playing, had grown in the volunteers who thought about playing in an organized manner, just as the cortex grew for those who actually played. This also has been noted for basketball players who imaginally practiced making free throws versus players who didn't think about it. The players who imaginally practiced performed better at free throws than those who did not practice imaginally (it's still better to do actual practice but visual imagery helps).
So, it appears clear that mental training can change the physical state of the brain and that the brain doesn't know the difference between real and imagined exercise. My piano teacher would have been amazed. However, there is a problem and that is that negative experiences and thoughts can hinder our brain functioning. Work in neuroendocrinology at Stanford University has shown that stress is associated with neural degeneration because of the production of cortisol which shrinks the hippocampus of our brain, one area known able to regenerate new neurons. Therefore, depending on what you think, you can expand or contract brain connections leading to more or less ability to learn new information and function in new situations. How can this be applied to your life?
As I mentioned, the brain has a difficult time distinguishing between reality and imagination. If you can limit your exposure to negative thoughts, people, and excessive stress, you can reduce their effects on your brain. Instead, here are several applications:
1. Resist the tendency to use negative and self defeating language. This is a tenet of the mindset view as what we tell ourselves repeatedly becomes ingrained psychologically and neurologically as well. Avoid limiting words such as "never", "can't", instead try "When I can", "How can I . . ."
2. Use superlatives. "I'm fine" rather than "I'm OK". This takes you to a new energy level. Humility in life often is esteemed but doesn't always do your brain well.
3. Think larger than what you want. Set your intention larger than you desire. As you do so, you expand your thinking and begin to consider ways to make the larger goal more attainable.
4. Begin and end communications and your day positively. This sets the positive tone which helps keep dopamine, a neurotransmitter, flowing in your brain. This contributes to increased sense of well being.
5. Affirmations and declarations. Begin to compile a list of affirmations, positive statements about yourself as you are and/or expect to be, e.g. "I connect well with clients and bring value". Taking several minutes each day to repeat these sets your brain on the way to positive reshaping.
So changing your thoughts changes your brain and your results. Take control.
Dr. Paul Longobardi
For more information on these and related topics, please see my website at www.successandmindset.com