Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset

How does understanding the principles of neuroplasticity benefit people?

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt and change in response to our experiences. Our brains have billions of connections or neural pathways. When we perform an activity or think about something the neurons in our brain light up and a pattern of pathways is created between these neurons. As we repeat those thoughts or actions the same pattern lights up and over time the pathway becomes thicker and stronger. Meanwhile the pathways we don't use become weaker and thinner.

As a pathway becomes more dominant our brains will start to default to those, taking the well-trodden path of least resistant. But by conciously practising new thinging or changing our thinking we can create new pathways or strengthen existing ones.

Some key principles to keep in mind are:

• Use it or lose it
• Use it and improve it
• Specificity - tailor activities to specifically target the are of improvement you wish to make
• Repetition

This is a great video that explains in a simple way about neuroplasticity and how the pathways in the brain can be rewired:

How might you engage with the principles of neuroplasticity for your own benefit?

I can use the knowledge of these principles to remind myself to keep practicing and trying. Working through this course will take care of some of the principles for me: specifically tailored learning to achieve results - so my job is to focus on my side of things. Keep practicing, repeat tasks independantly etc. Repeated, intentional, and somewhat uncomfortable efforts are required to experience lasting change.

What are some of the ways to increase your neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is increased by intentional actions and learning new skills. Our day-to-day activities can also help - practising general self care like eating well, exercise, sleep, as well as practicing mindfulness. Learning new skills or making small changes to everyday activities such as brushing your teeth with the other hand can also increase your neuroplasticity.

What about a growth mindset?

The growth mindset is the concept that our intelligence and current skills are not fixed. It values the effort put in and the personal growth which occurs along that journey over the result. Getting a high mark without trying isn't celebrated in the same way as working hard, even if it results in a failure. I loved hearing the phrase 'not yet' to describe a failure and how that opens up the opportunity to learn and do better. Trying to nurture a growth mindset in ourselves and others is very beneficial when it comes to learning new things.

Looking back at my experiences and childhood I can see that I have had a fixed mindset. I grew up being 'naturally' smart academically. I did well at school, and loved learning but over time being told I was smart and good at things made me reduce my effort. I'd never really needed to try too hard, so I never learnt how to struggle and put in that effort until it was too late. Once I did begin to struggle I beat myself up over every mark lower than an A, didn't get tasks complete because I was too much of a perfectionist. I didn't want to fail and it was less of an ego blow to fail because I ran out of time then to fail because I wasn't 'smart enough'.

Thinking about the learning journey ahead of me I know that when things get tough I might default to my old habits – I'll feel stupid, like I'm making a huge mistake and not good enough. I'll regret not doing more work – even if I have given all I can. I need to integrate and encourage a growth mindset in myself by practising mindfulness, reminding myself that this is a journey and the hard work will pay off. I need to celebrate the journey. Making good use of journalling and looking back on how far I have come as the course continues will be a wonderful tool.

This article has a great list of activities and information aimed at adults who want to develop a growth mindset.