We all have big dreams and aspirations, but sometimes it can feel like our minds are holding us back. Whether it’s procrastination, self-doubt, or simply feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to take the necessary steps to achieve our goals. But what if we could train our brains to work for us, rather than against us?
Brain Training
In his book Thinking Fast and Slow, Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explains how our minds have two systems for processing information: System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, more deliberate, and logical. While both systems have their benefits, it’s important to learn how to engage System 2 when making important decisions or taking on challenging tasks.
One way to do this is to use “pre-commitment strategies.” Pre-commitment strategies involve making a plan or taking a small step towards your goal before you even feel motivated to do so. For example, if you’re trying to start a new exercise routine, you might commit to putting your workout clothes on as soon as you wake up in the morning, even if you don’t feel like exercising. This small action will make it easier to follow through with your plan later on.
Another strategy is to use “implementation intentions.” Implementation intentions involve specifying the exact time and place when you will take a specific action. For example, instead of saying “I will write a book,” you might say “I will write for one hour every weekday morning at the library.” By making your goal more specific and concrete, it becomes easier to follow through.
The Super Better Brain
In her book Super Better, Jane McGonigal suggests that we can also train our brains by playing games. Games are a powerful tool for building resilience,. They help us to practice facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. By playing games, we can also learn to see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
McGonigal’s book Imaginable also explores the idea that by training our imagination we can learn to see the world in a new way. Imagining different scenarios and perspectives can help us to identify new opportunities and to come up with creative solutions to problems. By training our imagination, we can also learn to be more resilient and adaptable in the face of change.
In addition to the strategies mentioned above, also consider these other valuable methods to train your brain for bigger things:
Mindfulness and Meditation Practices
These can help to improve focus and concentration, which are essential for taking on challenging tasks. Mindfulness can help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety, which can make it easier to stay on tasks and maintain motivation.
Accepting New Challenges
Another important aspect of training your brain is to challenge yourself by taking on new and difficult tasks. This can help to build new neural connections and increase your brain’s plasticity. By taking on new challenges, you can also learn to be more adaptable and resilient in the face of change.
Staying Physically Active
Physical activity can have a positive impact on your brain. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, and it can also boost mood and reduce stress. By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can help to improve your overall brain health and function.
The journey to train our brains is a lifelong endeavor that requires more than just engaging System 2 and implementing strategies like pre-commitment and visualization. It’s a holistic process that includes mindfulness and meditation, which keep our minds sharp and focused.
Embracing and accepting new challenges is essential, as it stretches our capabilities and fosters growth. Furthermore, staying physically active plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy mind. All of these elements combined not only help us to achieve bigger things and reach our full potential. But also ensure we remain resilient in the face of setbacks and persistent in our pursuit of goals.
Being overcome by overwhelm or burnout can be hard to recover from. Training our brain for bigger things is like an overwhelm and burnout prevention plan giving us the mental resiliency we need to achieve our goals.
