The brain is often compared to a computer. They both have the ability to store and process information. The brain and computer can perform calculations, solve problems, learn, and adapt.
As much as our brains and computers are alike, there is one possible key difference between your brain and your computer. The Operating System on your computer continues to receive updates, but does your brain?
Studies show that In most adults, learning and thinking plateau and then begin to decline after age 30 or 40. The decline increases again after the age of 60. Your mental OS doesn’t have to be outdated. Of many strategies, here are just a few key ways to upgrade:
1. Be a Learn It All
Most of us have heard the phrase, “he or she is a know it all.” At a certain level of success or advancement we can all begin to think we know it all, or at least enough. Earlier, we called that indicator complacency. We have to shift our mindset from a know it all to a learn it all.
2. Be Unpredictable
For just a moment, think about the rhythm of a normal day. A large majority of your day operates on Auto-Pilot. Living on auto-pilot means daily relying on ingrained habits and routines. This means your thinking, your actions, your decisions, and your interactions become automated.
Our bodies have 5 senses, and these senses are the key to learning. Force them to work and stimulate your brain. If you’re right handed, use your left hand. Close your eyes and do a taste test. Watch an animated movie and listen to the voice actors to see if you can determine who they are. Researchers at Duke University call this "neurobics." Use your 5 senses to challenge your brain.
3. Be A Reader
The more you read, the more neural activity occurs in your brain. This leads to more neural productivity strengthening the various pathways in your brain. These pathways improve overall cognitive functioning, which helps your ability to actively recall information. Although we know the importance and benefits of reading, some statistics say that 42% of college graduates never read another book after college.
Set a goal of 12 books a year, one a month. Or even 6 books a year, one book every other month. Read what you enjoy, and allow it to help upgrade your mental OS.
4. Be A Storyteller
Everyone loves a good story. My favorite stories are personal stories. Both of my parents have passed and the personal stories that revolve around them are now more special than ever. There are many meaningful stories that I can recall, but there are even more that I have no memory of.
Some studies show that “replaying a sequence of behavioral events in our mind” is important for learning and memory retention. Recalling these memories verbally and talking through them with others help to engage the brain in receiving, remembering, and thinking—which in turn helps improve brain function.
Many of us have that grandparent or person in our life that is going to tell the same stories 1,000 times. Maybe you are becoming that person and everyone around is tired of hearing them. Well I say let them tell those stories. If it’s you, tell those stories. You can let everyone know you are just upgrading your mental OS.
Learn more by watching the full episode of The Mind Your Business Podcast below.
As much as our brains and computers are alike, there is one possible key difference between your brain and your computer. The Operating System on your computer continues to receive updates, but does your brain?
Studies show that In most adults, learning and thinking plateau and then begin to decline after age 30 or 40. The decline increases again after the age of 60. Your mental OS doesn’t have to be outdated. Of many strategies, here are just a few key ways to upgrade:
1. Be a Learn It All
Most of us have heard the phrase, “he or she is a know it all.” At a certain level of success or advancement we can all begin to think we know it all, or at least enough. Earlier, we called that indicator complacency. We have to shift our mindset from a know it all to a learn it all.
2. Be Unpredictable
For just a moment, think about the rhythm of a normal day. A large majority of your day operates on Auto-Pilot. Living on auto-pilot means daily relying on ingrained habits and routines. This means your thinking, your actions, your decisions, and your interactions become automated.
Our bodies have 5 senses, and these senses are the key to learning. Force them to work and stimulate your brain. If you’re right handed, use your left hand. Close your eyes and do a taste test. Watch an animated movie and listen to the voice actors to see if you can determine who they are. Researchers at Duke University call this "neurobics." Use your 5 senses to challenge your brain.
3. Be A Reader
The more you read, the more neural activity occurs in your brain. This leads to more neural productivity strengthening the various pathways in your brain. These pathways improve overall cognitive functioning, which helps your ability to actively recall information. Although we know the importance and benefits of reading, some statistics say that 42% of college graduates never read another book after college.
Set a goal of 12 books a year, one a month. Or even 6 books a year, one book every other month. Read what you enjoy, and allow it to help upgrade your mental OS.
4. Be A Storyteller
Everyone loves a good story. My favorite stories are personal stories. Both of my parents have passed and the personal stories that revolve around them are now more special than ever. There are many meaningful stories that I can recall, but there are even more that I have no memory of.
Some studies show that “replaying a sequence of behavioral events in our mind” is important for learning and memory retention. Recalling these memories verbally and talking through them with others help to engage the brain in receiving, remembering, and thinking—which in turn helps improve brain function.
Many of us have that grandparent or person in our life that is going to tell the same stories 1,000 times. Maybe you are becoming that person and everyone around is tired of hearing them. Well I say let them tell those stories. If it’s you, tell those stories. You can let everyone know you are just upgrading your mental OS.
Learn more by watching the full episode of The Mind Your Business Podcast below.
Posted in Personal Growth
Brandon Matthews
Brandon is passionate about bringing meaning back to the marketplace. These are practical and applicable principles for your organization.
Recent
Archive
2024
January
February
March
April
May
July
2023
February
March
October
November