Neuroscientists have discovered the strategy for rewiring
the brain. Contrary to popular approaches, this strategy involves more than
just positive thinking or working hard.
In fact, there are five pathways that must be activated in
order to create new neural networks in the brain. Let’s explore a few
principles from brain science in order to better understand how to successfully
activate these pathways.
First, the act of thinking sets into motion a chemical
reaction in the brain that can be likened to plugging in a string of lights. As
you think about something—be it positive or stressful—you turn on a string of
lights related to that topic.
Second, the more you think, feel and act the same way, the
faster the lights turn on and the brighter they glow. Thus, the string of
lights related to driving a car at 45 years old is much brighter and faster
than the string you had at 16 years old.
Finally, we have trillions of brain cells, resulting in
thousands (if not millions) of strings of lights correlating with our habits in
all areas of our life. Donald Hebb’s landmark discovery in 1949, “neurons that
fire together wire together,” best explains the process of wiring and
strengthening brain pathways. The key is to activate as many of these pathways
as possible given they work synergistically. One pathway alone is not enough to
successfully rewire your brain. However, when you repeatedly align your
beliefs, feelings, vision, and actions you will experience lasting changes in
your brain.
1. Identify the beliefs that support your intention.
Seeing is not required for believing. In fact, you have to
first believe it is possible if you expect to truly see it manifest in your
life.
Solution: Examine your current beliefs about a desired goal.
Identify those beliefs that align with the possibility of achieving your
intention.
2. Embrace your positive emotions.
Emotion is the fuel, the juice or the power behind
accomplishing your intention. Without emotion a thought is neutral, it has no
real power. In other words, it is not enough to repeat positive affirmations if
you are not feeling anything.
Solution: What emotions align with accomplishing your goal?
Why is your intention meaningful to you? Spend time feeling these feelings as
you focus on your intention.
3. Visualize.
The brain can’t tell the difference between something real
or imagined. When you mentally rehearse your new habits, you strengthen your
ability to create them in your life.
Solution: Identify images that align with accomplishing your
goal and spend time visualizing them daily.
4. Take actions that support your intention.
Your actions have to match what you say you want and vice versa.
You can’t think and feel one way and act another. In other words, you won’t
rewire your brain if you eat donuts while repeating affirmations of being
healthy and fit. Similarly, you won’t rewire your brain if you go to the gym
but complain about how much you can’t stand working out.
Solution: Identify the actions that align with your thoughts
and emotions.
5. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Change requires practicing a new habit. It follows the
principle, "use it or lose it."
Solution: Consciously practice thinking, feeling,
visualizing and acting in alignment with your desired intention. When you do
this you will stop the unconscious habit of recycling the past and activate
your ability to rewire your brain in the present moment.
This Article was written by Dr. Hilary Stokes.
Credits : mindbodygreen
