Neuroplasticity proves you can teach an old dog new tricks
Have you heard of the well-known phrase: ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.’?
The Cambridge Dictionary definition is that it’s very difficult to teach someone new skills or change their habits.
Technically, this isn’t true. And I say technically because we’re going to look at some neuroscience that disproves this idiom. We're talking about neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to change and adapt through experience.
The human brain is an extraordinary organ, continuously shaping and reshaping itself through a process known as neuroplasticity. This capability is at the heart of personal development, especially when it comes to learning new skills or changing habits. Understanding how neural pathways are formed and how they can be rewired can empower us to enhance our professional and personal lives.
Whether it's picking up a new professional skill, learning a language, or adopting a positive mindset, the potential for growth is wired within us. The key is to understand that through persistence and the right strategies, we can rewire our brains to form habits and behaviours that propel us towards our goals.
The Foundation of Neural Pathways
Neural pathways are like the brain's highways, allowing information to travel across various regions of the brain. Whenever we learn something new, our brain forges new pathways and strengthens existing ones, which is the essence of neuroplasticity. Each repeated action or thought reinforces this pathway, making it more robust and more efficient.
Neuroplasticity in Learning
Learning is not merely a matter of acquiring information; it involves the brain physically changing its structure.
When we learn:
New Connections: Neurons (brain cells) connect to create a new pathway.
Strengthening Connections: The more we use a pathway, the stronger and faster it becomes due to a process called myelination.
Pruning: Unused connections weaken over time, a phenomenon known as synaptic pruning.
Rewiring for Change
Neuroscience tells us that old habits die hard because they are hardwired into our brains. However, the flip side of this is that we can form new, healthier habits by consciously practicing new behaviours. This conscious effort can eventually lead to automaticity, where the action becomes a natural part of our behaviour.
Application in Personal Development
Here are ways to harness neuroplasticity for personal growth:
Consistent Practice: Repeatedly engage in the behaviour or thought pattern you wish to develop. Consistency leads to the formation of strong neural pathways. In every program we run, we introduce an element of practice to allow participants to get comfortable with this new way of thinking and behaving so they can seamlessly introduce it to their daily routine.
Incremental Learning: Break down complex skills into smaller, manageable tasks. This step-by-step approach can help build confidence and capability as each stage forms a new layer of neural architecture.
Mindful Awareness: Be aware of your habits and actively choose to replace unhelpful ones with beneficial alternatives. Mindfulness can help in recognising the triggers for nonproductive behaviours and steering your neural pathways towards more constructive activities.
Environment Optimisation: Your surroundings can either support or hinder your learning. Create an environment that encourages the formation of positive pathways (e.g., a quiet place for focused work, surrounding yourself with motivational cues).
Embrace the neuroscientific insights of today and take charge of your learning and personal development. Remember, the pathways you cultivate today shape the person you become tomorrow.
