Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset
How Understanding Neuroplasticity Benefits People
To put it simply, neuroplasticity refers to the extent of which the brain can change and adapt to learning through repeated activation of the same neurons. The more time we spend learning or practicing something, the more we strengthen the neural pathways in our brain for that particular skill. The more plasticity our brain has, the more malleable it is, meaning that physiological changes to those neural pathways happen at a faster rate. This increases the efficiency of our learning, making it easier to recall specific information or excel at a particular task. Although the brain's neuroplasticity decreases as we age, there's still great potential for learning in adult life. It's clear to see that there's truth to the old adage "practice makes permanent" - so if you understand the science behind neuroplasticity, why wouldn't you put in the effort to learn or master a skill?
Increasing Your Neuroplasticity
Reflection and journalling are great ways to improve your neuroplasticity, as you're taking time to revisit things you've learned. It's also more of an active thought process as opposed to passively consuming information. Visualisation is another great tool to use for increasing neuroplasticity. Imagining yourself performing a skill activates the same neurons as if you were actually performing it.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, research suggests that other common lifestyle factors play a part in our brain's neuroplasticity. These factors include having a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, regularly engaging in physical exercise, getting adequate sleep, and reducing stress.
What the Experts Say
In the following video, "leading neuroscientists discuss their most recent findings and both the tantalising possibilities and pitfalls for our future cognitive selves". It's no quick watch (clocking in at one hour), but dives deeper into topics such as how the brain develops, the pros and cons of brain plasticity vs. stability, and plasticity in relation to mental illness and recovery from brain injury. Hearing a range of issues discussed can help better understand neuroplasticity in a broader context.
Growth Mindset - Why it's Relevant
Growth mindset is the belief that our skills and intelligence are not fixed. That by challenging ourselves with difficult tasks, perservering, and not being afraid of failure, we can grow and excel in areas of focus. Having a growth mindset in the context of learning, there's more incentive to work harder and embrace challenges understanding that this is how we improve.
A key area that growth mindset favours is creativity. When a person doesn't fear failure, they are more apt to take risks, accept challenges, or put forth new concepts. They know that whatever the outcome, it's an opportunity for learning. If we translate this into a broader application, employees in a growth mindset organisation are more likely to feel that they can try new things ultimately leading to a more positive, fulfilling work environment with higher levels of innovation. Employees are less likely to fear that they will be judged or punished for a reasonable risk not working out, as their employer values growth and thus will have their back.
Instilling Growth Mindset in Children
When considering growth mindset, it's extremely important to understand the impact our words and attitudes as parents can have on the mindset of our children. This more than likely requires a shift in thinking away from some of the traditional parenting methods. One particular thing to consider is praising effort and perserverance over result. The former technique encourages children to embrace challenges without worrying about getting a particular grade or looking smart, while the latter (praising result) makes kids more likely to stay within their comfort zone so that they can maintain the 'smart' label you gave them by achieving better grades. Children who learn to embrace challenges have a higher chance of developing a growth mindset, while those who are driven by results often end up with more of a fixed mindset. Another technique we can use with kids is judicious use of the word 'yet', for example telling a child that "it's okay they haven't got there yet" - reinforcing that learning is a journey and through hard work they will eventually achieve success.
It's clear that a growth mindset can be cultivated in children from a young age. So how do we start planting the seeds? This short animated video simplifies growth mindset in a way that kids can understand and relate to, and is a perfect introduction for young minds:
Integrating Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset on a Personal Level
Having the knowledge is one thing, but putting it into practice is where we can gain an edge. Understanding how neuroplasticity works, it's clear that the more we practice or visualise a specific skill, the more our brains adapt to performing it with greater success. Having a growth mindset through this process encourages us to perservere when things are challenging, instead of giving up or looking for an easy way out.
Applying the principles of neuroplasticity to my own journey for instance, I intend to learn and challenge myself every day - even if it's just a minimal amount. I'm confident that this frequent repetition will help strengthen the neural pathways for the skills I'm developing. I will integrate growth mindset by embracing challenges, knowing that by doing things that are difficult or outside my comfort zone I'm facilitating my own personal growth and development.