“The brain is a marvel of adaptability. It’s not a fixed, unchanging structure but a dynamic system capable of reshaping itself throughout our lives. Known as neuroplasticity, this ability is the reason why real, lasting change, is always within reach. Whether you want to quit smoking, stop overeating, let go of negative thought patterns, or develop a new skill you can rewire your brain to break unwanted habits and learn new ones.

Understanding how neural pathways work and putting into practice what you glean from that understanding can help you to transform your life. Neural pathways are like highways in the brain, built by repetitive actions, thoughts, and behaviors. Each time you engage in a habit, good or bad, you reinforce the pathway. Imagine walking through a grassy field. The more you walk the same route, the more defined the path becomes.

Over time, it’s easier and more automatic to follow the established trail. Older analogies of neural pathways were the grooves in vinyl records. The brain lays down tracks, like the grooves in the record which play whatever is within that groove. BUT here’s where the brilliance of the brain comes into play: these pathways aren’t permanent. The brain is constantly reshaping itself based on what you think and do AND don’t do.

DEVELOP THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE, MINDSET AND BELIEFS TO TRANSFORM YOURSELF

Therefore, you can build new pathways that support healthier habits and overwrite the old ones. For example, stroke survivors have been shown to retrain their brains to regain lost functions. Those with phobias can overcome them and be free of the fear. Veterans with PTSD can retrain their brains through repeated sessions, moving from automatic fight-or-flight responses to a calmer, more grounded state. There is so much we can do.

Learn to play a musical instrument or speak a new language and build entirely new neural pathways. You can overcome everyday habits like reaching for a cigarette when stressed or indulging in junk food for comfort. You can retrain your brain to respond differently. You can overcome addictions like substance abuse, porn or endless scrolling on social media. You can rehabilitate easier from injuries and manage chronic pain.

You can change emotional responses. A person who struggles with road rage can learn to respond to traffic with patience instead of anger. You can enhance any skill and improve cognitive and academic performance. For example, students who struggle with focus or procrastination can train their brains to develop better study habits. There are so many applications and positive possibilities available. The list goes on and on.

DEVELOP THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE, MINDSET AND BELIEFS TO TRANSFORM YOURSELF

Studies like the National Institute on Aging show that repetitive actions, visualization, and mindful practices can alter brain structure, strengthening desirable behaviors and weakening unwanted ones. I’m glad the research is catching up with what everyone from ancients to moderns already know. I’ve been sharing this with countless thousands of people for at least 50 years. YOU CAN create new neural pathways and habits.

You can let go of the old ones that don’t serve you and you can learn and develop or create new ones that serve you better. To successfully rewire your brain, you must understand and apply a few key principles. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating lasting change. First identify the habit you want to change and set a clear intention. Change starts with awareness and desire. It’s the first step in Think and Grow Rich.

You’ve heard, ‘The light bulb has to want to change.’ In the same way, you must have a high intention and deep commitment to let go of an old habit. Without intention, change is unlikely to stick. Ask yourself: What habit do I want to release? Why is it important to me or for me to change it and develop a new one? And here’s an important question: ‘How will my life improve once I’ve replaced this habit with a healthier one?’ Understand?

Intend to change. Develop strong reasons for change. Noticing how your life will be different serves multiple objectives. It clarifies what you want, provides reasons to do it and shows you how you will be feeling and what living from the feeling of the wish fulfilled is like. Plus, it clarifies and helps you build the kind of future you want. Visualization can amplify your intention. Close your eyes and imagine your life free of the old habit.

DEVELOP THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE, MINDSET AND BELIEFS TO TRANSFORM YOURSELF

How does it feel? What does it look like? By engaging your senses, you prime your brain to move toward this reality. When it comes to changing you want to observe the habit without judgement. Observe when it happens, what triggers it, and how it makes you feel. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions, the physical sensations in your body and the results the habit creates in your life.

This process allows you to detach from the habit and see it for what it is: a learned behavior that no longer serves you. Research into mindful practices like those conducted by Dr. Judson Brewer at Brown University, reveal that simply observing a habit can reduce its hold on you. Awareness creates space for choice. Here’s the key: to weaken an old neural pathway, you need to stop feeding it.

That means shifting your focus away from the habit you want to break and directing it toward the behavior you want to cultivate. Instead of fixating on avoiding unhealthy snacks, focus on enjoying fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables. Rather than dwelling on the desire for a cigarette, immerse yourself in a relaxing activity like deep breathing or a walk in nature. What you focus on grows. Focus on what you want instead. Focus on that!

DEVELOP THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE, MINDSET AND BELIEFS TO TRANSFORM YOURSELF

The more you direct your attention to the new behavior, the stronger the new pathway becomes. Your brain doesn’t distinguish between real and imagined experiences. This is why athletes visualize their performance before competing, it strengthens the neural pathways associated with success. So, use this to your advantage: Imagine yourself engaging in the new behavior over and over. Repetition wires in the new habits.

See yourself as already having replaced the old habit. Feel the emotions associated with this change, confidence, freedom, pride. A study published in Neuropsychologia found that mental rehearsal can significantly enhance motor learning and behavior change. Visualization is a powerful tool for rewiring your brain. That’s just one and there are countless others. Observe or Notice. Stop! Stop feeding it! Interrupt it. Shift directions.

Every time an old thought or impulse arises, interrupt it. This weakens the neural pathway associated with the habit. Here’s how: Say ‘No’ or ‘Cancel’ or ‘That’s a lie’ or ‘Thanks but no thanks’ aloud when the urge strikes. Use affirmations like ‘I let this go’ or ‘I am free from this habit.’ Immediately redirect your focus to the new behavior or thought you’re cultivating. Focus on and affirm the new thought, feeling or behavior you want.

DEVELOP THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE, MINDSET AND BELIEFS TO TRANSFORM YOURSELF

In time, this process diminishes the old pathway and strengthens the new one. Correct repetition, consistently, for long enough results in the new desired habit. Once a habit it means you now have gone through the Conscious Competence phase of talking yourself through it, walking yourself through it, adjusting and are into Unconscious Competence, whereby the new habit is automatic and reliable You now have choice.

Imagine the possibilities when you take control of your brain’s pathways. You’re not just changing habits; you’re changing your identity. As you let go of what no longer serves you, you make space for the person you’re meant to become. Neuroplasticity is your superpower. It’s proof that no matter where you are now, you can grow, adapt, and thrive. Just remember, neuroplasticity means use it or lose it. Feed what you want to encourage.

Starve what you don’t. Don’t wait for the ‘right time’ to start. The time is now. Every day you engage in old habits, you strengthen them. Every day you take steps toward building new pathways, you strengthen your future self. Take 5 minutes today to observe a habit you want to change. Write down what you notice. Spend another 5 minutes visualizing the new habit you want to create. See it, feel it, and believe it. Then when ready.

DEVELOP THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE, MINDSET AND BELIEFS TO TRANSFORM YOURSELF

Commit to interrupting old patterns as they arise. Stay on top of it. Repetition must be correct and consistent, remember. And too, if you’re ready to take this to the next level, join me in my transformational program. Together, we’ll dive deeper into these principles, equip you with the tools to rewire your brain, and unlock your full potential. Change is possible. Your brain is ready. Are you? Let’s set your genius free. See below. Celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

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Infographic ©2024 Rex Steven Sikes & Rex Sikes Entertainment, LLC

Photograph ©2024 Rex Steven Sikes & Rex Sikes Entertainment, LLC