Posts tagged ‘family’

November 16, 2011

Three Reasons Why People Talk More and Listen Less

Listen, Understand, Act

Image by highersights via Flickr

Have you noticed that many people can’t remember what was said, interrupt others regularly, rarely ask genuine questions and generally have poor listening skills? Has attentive and respectful listening gone out of style since the advent of TV, computer technology, cell phones, texting and video games? I wonder if people were more “auditory,” from a listening standpoint, when distractions were fewer, people engaged in more mealtime conversations and radio was a bigger source of news and entertainment.

Our worldwide statistics show that 78% of the population least prefers to listen as a primary way to receive sensory information; these people prefer to take in information visually and kinesthetically. Why do people who least prefer to listen select talking as their preferred way to express themselves? Practical neuroscience and common sense reveal possible reasons and provide pathways to improve listening competencies.

Reasons Why People Talk More and Listen Less

  • Lack of awareness: I believe most people are unaware of how their poor listening skills negatively impact rapport, harmony and understanding others. Interrupting, “tuning out” others and raising one’s voice to get attention serve no useful purpose; hurt feelings often occur and important information is lost. As a practical matter, meager listening takes a steep toll on valuable time that could be used for other things. At worst, important relationships can be put in jeopardy and may crash. These factors are why people benefit from being informed of how their brains are wired to receive and process information. Practical neuroscience reveals our sensory and cognitive processing strengths, thus providing a simple recipe to communicate with others in optimal ways.
  • Busy Schedules: During an executive coaching session, I asked a person about his listening competency. His reply was, “it’s poor and I don’t care because I don’t have time to listen.” He went on to say, “I prefer to receive information by email, text and brief discussions when walking with a colleague to a meeting or during mealtime.” I asked him what impact his tactics would have on his morale and productivity if he walked in the shoes of his direct reports and peers.  He then asked how he could be a better listener; the Hot Tips (below) summarize what I suggested. Within a week of using these new “high road” listening tactics, this busy executive received positive feedback from three people saying they enjoyed working with him and it seemed like he was different person.
  • Maintaining Control: As long as you are talking, you don’t have to listen, answer questions or respond to other people. A higher form of talking is using language understandable to others, stating the purpose of the communication and asking questions to confirm their understanding. Listening requires attention, focus, personal involvement and feedback. Attentive and respectful listening sends a strong message that you care about the other person; talking, alone, may introduce an element of doubt about your intention and integrity.

Hot Tips for Being a Better Listener

  • Ask for the purpose and desired outcomes of the conversation.
  • Respectfully, set a time period for the discussion, if time is an issue.
  • Do not interrupt and impose your opinion.
  • Ask questions to gain clarity and understanding.
  • Listen for congruency of tone-of-voice and body language with what’s being said.
  • Paraphrase what you hear.

In conclusion, improved listening skills pay big dividends of relationship rapport, mutual respect, understanding others and making effective use of available time. Based on statistics, most people should talk less and communicate more visually and kinesthetically. Practical neuroscience methods are the ideal solution for “transmitting” information on the preferred “receiving wavelengths” of others.

October 5, 2011

Why Kinesthetic and Global Kids Fall Between the Cracks

Kinesthetic Learning

Image by pursyapt via Flickr

Do you know that the students most likely to struggle in traditional classroom settings are Kinesthetic, hands-on learners with Global, big-picture cognitive strengths? This is because their brain wiring is misaligned with how many subjects are taught. This frustrating learning challenge may begin in middle school and continue through high school, college and into adulthood. Without self-awareness of what’s going on, the individual is likely to develop a strong disdain for learning and experience low self-esteem that can carry over into their adult life.

I have personal experience with the “brain wiring” preference combination of Kinesthetic learning and Global thinking. I can claim 100% success for learning anything that interests me through practical neuroscience strategies that support how my brain is wired and what makes me tick.  I hope this knowledge helps millions of students and adults whose brains are wired similarly to mine. Anyone can take control of their learning success by knowing how to leverage their brain pathway strengths.

Kinesthetic Learner and Global Thinker Challenges

My sensory learning preferences are Kinesthetic followed by Visual and then Auditory. I need to have movement, touch and hands-on experiences to stay engaged and remember. Having to learn solely through listening and lecture, with a minimum of visual materials and an inability to move about, is my worst possible scenario. Highly Kinesthetic learners do well in lab courses, shop, drafting, graphics, field trips, and other hands-on, experiential learning environments. Having to sit still in one place, listen to a lecture and run the risk of getting reprimanded for fidgeting or moving about is a situation most Kinesthetic learners prefer to avoid.

The other half of the learning equation is how one prefers to process and think about stored and incoming sensory information. My cognitive strength is Global rather than Sequential. I like “big picture” subjects dealing with context, overarching concepts, possibilities and options. Subjects that stimulate my imagination and permit jumping about in non-logical steps are the ones that keep me interested and engaged. Unfortunately most subjects tend to be taught in a Sequential (e.g. logical, orderly, detail-oriented), step-by-step manner. This is a torturous scenario for a person with strong Global thinking strengths. This is because their Global brains are moving at a rapid-fire rate and get bored with staying on one aspect of a bigger concept longer than a couple of minutes. Global thinkers are equipped to understand the foundational principles of most traditionally Sequential subjects like mathematics, programming theory, thermodynamics, metallurgy, physics, electrochemistry and human anatomy; the problem lies with their attention span and the focus required to complete detailed assignments and pass tests requiring accuracy.

Hot Tips for Kinesthetic and Global Brains

Learning is a voluntary brain process. First, establish the strongest positive outcomes, value and benefits you will receive from learning your chosen subject. This hot tip applies to everyone, regardless of their brain pathway strengths.

  • Kinesthetic Strategies: Implementing movement and touch with your learning experience helps you stay engaged and remember. Closing your eyes occasionally helps you listen deeply during a lecture. Take notes and/or doodle while listening. When reviewing material, ask yourself, “what feels and looks important here?” Flash cards are a great aid for Kinesthetic learners.
  • Global Strategies: When detail and accuracy are required, do your studying in a formal environment with a moderately cool temperature to stay engaged and focused. Use snacks and refreshments as a reward during breaks and for completing chunks of work within 20-30 minute periods of time.

You can quickly, accurately and reliably determine how your brain is wired to learn, think, perform, solve problems, and make decisions with statistically validated preference instruments. Online results generate customized and comprehensive accelerated learning strategies for all brain pathway combinations.

In conclusion, your past learning challenges may have been due to your brain wiring being misaligned with the subject and how it was taught. Practical neuroscience is the unrecognized solution to quick, easy and fun learning.

July 29, 2011

Looking for Solutions in All the Wrong Places

Advice

Image by laughlin via Flickr

There seem to be more people than ever worried about having enough money to pay bills, do fun things, cover emergencies and retire someday. People are worried about their careers, employment security and where their next job lies, should they become unemployed. Basic needs and survival issues are putting unprecedented levels of stress on relationships at home and work. Stress is compromising our mental, emotional and physical health. People are searching for direction and solutions leading to a better, safer and more predictable life.

We can no longer depend on the “historically dependable employer” for job security, or on government and institutions “too large to let fail” for solutions and bailouts. Historically, people depended on wise parents, grandparents, clergy, teachers and close friends for counsel and advice. The problem is that many of these people are now struggling with their own challenges. It’s hard to think clearly and help others when you are hurting and struggling.

Looking for solutions outside of ourselves is the wrong and worst place to go. People have too long given their power to other people, organizations and institutions, allowing these others to tell them what to do and letting them make decisions on their behalf. This trend must end now, if we want to reverse what we are experiencing. This is an ideal time to look for solutions in the only places they can be found: our own brains and those of our “trusted advisors.” We must use our brainpower at higher levels than ever before to create new outcomes and realities. The thinking and actions that created our current situation are incapable of making it better; they can only give us more of the same.

Hierarchy of Decision Making (From Best to Worst)

  • You and your “trusted advisors”
  • You
  • Businesses and services providers having demonstrated integrous values, services and products
  • Self-serving individuals, organizations, institutions and business

The reason for placing “trusted advisors” at the top is because they share your values, have common goals, believe in the “power within” and are committed to helping you in return for you helping them. Trusted advisor groups know that they can do more together than individually. They recognize that “flying solo” is a lonely and potentially dangerous act.

In conclusion, if ignorant and selfish thinking created our current colossal mess, then focused integrous thinking becomes the new pathway to a better future. Practical neuroscience is available to anyone interested leveraging their brain strengths, knowledge and experience to solve problems. This is a call for action to form critical masses of like-minded people to combine their brainpower for a more prosperous and peaceful life.

July 26, 2011

Practical Neuroscience Approach for Homeschooling Parents

Studying

Image by scui3asteveo via Flickr

Homeschooling parents undertake the monumental responsibility for facilitating their children’s education. Taking on the role of “teacher,” as opposed to being a “facilitator of learning,” is a potential deterrent to successful learning outcomes for parent and child, alike. The two greatest gifts a parent can bestow on their children are instilling a lifelong desire for continuous learning and helping them develop the life skill of “learning how to learn.” These two elements of practical neuroscience all but guarantee the development of young minds into responsible, successful and self sufficient adults and future leaders. This applies to all parents, regardless of whether they home school or not.

John Naisbitt, American author and futurist, said:

“In a world that is constantly changing, there is no one subject that will serve you for the foreseeable future, let alone for the rest of your life. The most important skill to acquire now is learning how to learn.”

Many homeschooling parents may associate “learning how to learn” with learning styles. The practical neuroscience definition of learning styles is your child’s preferred sensory sequence to take in information and their cognitive preference to process it.

Sensory Pathway Preferences

It’s important that you, as a parent, and your child, both know the child’s most and least preferred ways to take in new and challenging information. For successful learning outcomes, the inflow of information must be presented in the student’s two strongest sensory pathways. Your child should pursue self-directed learning, whereby they request and select learning resources and delivery methods best suited to the way their brain is naturally wired to learn.

Sensory Learning Aids for:

Kinesthetic Children

  • Allow student to move around and be comfortable while learning
  • Encourage making flash cards for key learning points
  • Let student squeeze a small ball or work with another manipulative, while learning

Visual Children

  • Provide material to look over and read before class
  • Give instructions, homework, and key learning points visually
  • Minimize words and maximize symbols, pictures, charts, illustrations

Auditory Children

  • Allow extra time for questions and discussions
  • Suggest reading notes and study material aloud
  • Encourage student to discuss and tell others what they are learning

Cognitive Pathways Preferences

Cognitive processing is required to solve problems, make decisions, and develop skills and competencies to navigate life. Your child’s tendencies for Sequential and Global thinking may be established from birth or may be dependent on their environment and how you influence them. By the age of 7, the preferences for cognitive processing can usually be observed. The strongest cognitive preference should be acknowledged, while allowing opportunities to use and strengthen the least favored one. This approach helps build an integrated and balanced “whole brain.” If resistance is experienced, let your child follow their natural instincts. Both Leonardo da Vinci (Global) and Isaac Newton (Sequential) have made significant contributions in the world.

Cognitive Learning Aids for:

Sequential Gifted Children

  • Connect the key learning points and steps to one another to form central concepts
  • Organize assignments into logical steps and sequences
  • Encourage students to complete one assignment at a time
  • Formal physical environments are favored: straight back chair at table, quiet, bright and direct light, cool room temperature, snacks and drinks limited to breaks

Global Gifted Children

  • Explain major concepts and the big picture first; then provide the detail, if necessary
  • Allow student to multi-task as long as learning progress occurs
  • Provide for frequent breaks to maintain interest and focus
  • Informal physical environments are favored: Casual furniture, dim and indirect light, warmer room temperature, snacks and drinks while learning

In summary, each child has distinct interests, gifts and styles for receiving and processing sensory information. Homeschooling parents can lighten their “teaching load” by helping their children become self-directed, lifelong learners. Parents can also role model what they teach, provide a smorgasbord of learning opportunities and assist with making learning resources available.

 
July 11, 2011

Using Practical Neuroscience for Fast, Easy Learning

Group of students studying Bible

Image via Wikipedia

Practical neuroscience and how your brain is wired to learn and think are the keys to successful, self-directed, accelerated learning. Few people know that a secret to fast, easy learning is teaching someone who is interested in the same subject you want to learn. This method reduces traditional learning time by 50% or more. When people of like-mind come together and learn from each other, by teaching one another, the highest form of collaborative learning occurs.

William Glasser, MD, American psychiatrist and author says:

We LEARN:

  • 10% of what we read
  • 20% of what we hear
  • 30% of what we see
  • 50% of what we both hear and see
  • 70% of what is discussed with others
  • 80% of what we experience personally
  • 95% of what we TEACH to someone else”

It’s really quite easy to reach that 95% plateau referred to by Dr. Glasser. The first practical neuroscience principle embedded in this model is that multi-sensory learning increases retention. The second principle is that teaching strengthens your resolve through a personal commitment to a fellow learner. The third principle is that there is a synergy of minds joined to learn something together.

The following steps will guide you through the process:

Step 1: Identify the benefits

Document the benefits desired from the learning experience upon which you are about to embark. Learning is voluntary and your brain must have powerful reasons and positive emotions to stay focused, particularly when distractions arise and available time seems to diminish. Ask yourself questions like: Why do I want to engage in this learning process? What are my desired outcomes? How will I and/or others benefit from my newly acquired knowledge and skills? How will I feel, as I progress and reach my goals? Will I be happy that I expended energy and time for this learning experience one year from now? Be sure to commit your ideas in a visual form like a “mind map.”

Step 3: Identify learning resources

Use your instincts, when selecting ways to search for resources. They may include consulting with a subject matter expert, Googling key words or browsing the subject area of a library or book store. Your instincts will guide you to research methods that will be most effective for you. Think about your strongest sensory pathways to learn (Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic), when selecting your resources or courses. As an example, if you are a strong Kinesthetic learner, you will want a hands-on approach, as well as to be physically comfortable and have the ability to move about. Most people least prefer Auditory learning, so lectures and audio tapes would typically represent a poor choice.

Step2: Select another person or two interested in your subject

This is the most important part of the process. Find people you get along with, who have similar interests and values.  Share your reasons for learning and ideas about learning resources. Discuss the ways your “learning team” prefers to learn and think. This will guide your “learning plan.” Be sure to develop goals and milestones to measure progress. Create visual documentation of this process and review it from time to time.

Step 3: Teach one another

Teaching one another will come naturally and easily from the previous steps. The process may be a combination of self-directed learning, coupled with email and interpersonal interactions. Consider video conferencing when face-to-face meetings are not possible. Communicate key learning points and insights. Socratic questions are always a great way to learn. The more questions the better; the brain that composes a great question already has an inkling of the answer. It’s only a matter of time until awareness, connections and break-through learning occur. The time frame is accelerated when two or more people engage in the Socratic process.

In conclusion, teaching is the highest form of learning. It’s fun, easy and quickens the learning process. You can trust your brain and the brains of your “learning team” to achieve outcomes beyond your wildest dreams.

 

©2011 The Hadron Group, Inc.  All rights reserved

July 5, 2011

Three Secret Hot Tips for Exceptional Rapport and Communication

Communication

Image by P Shanks via Flickr

Nearly everyone desires exceptional rapport and communications with people they love and care about; this is the key to building successful and healthy long-term relationships. Professional relationships also require communication excellence to convey information efficiently and gain understanding quickly for people to do their jobs properly.

The core premise for exceptional rapport and communication is anchored in practical neuroscience. Achieving communications excellence requires attentiveness to everyone’s unique preferences for taking in and processing information. When you align your transmitting style with another’s preferred receiving style, you exponentially increase the probability for greater rapport and understanding. This is because people immediately become aware that you are on “their wavelength.” It is also important to respect the other person’s views, values and where they are coming from. These principles have enormous implications in all human relationships.

Hot Tip #1: Seek to understand before being understood

People relate to one another better when there is mutual respect and some level of caring about each other’s well being. In work situations, be sure to take the time to build sound relationship foundations, even if there are areas of disagreement and conflict. These foundations are particularly useful when time is of the essence to get things accomplished in stressful situations.

Interrupting one another to drive-home points-of-view, before paying attention and understanding each other, is a “dead end street.” Interruptions usually result in confusion, anger and resentment. It’s not necessary to agree with one another. Understanding respective positions, rationale and thinking, however, are required to co-exist peacefully. One can always find areas of commonality to move forward, no matter how far apart you may seem.

Hot Tip #2: Align with the person’s sensory and cognitive thinking preferences

Auditory learners prefer to listen and ask questions. Be sure to ask them to paraphrase their understanding of what you said; likewise, repeat back to them what you heard them say. They need quiet and interruption free environments to listen deeply and process what was heard.

Visual learners prefer to see instructions, progress reports and general information in visual form with a minimum of words. Use email, mind maps and white boards to convey key points. They prefer uncluttered environment to avoid distraction from what they are looking at.

Kinesthetic learners prefer hands-on interactions, when receiving and processing information. They need to incorporate movement and touch, when looking at or hearing about the subject matter. Provide for physical comfort, movement and frequent breaks.

Sequential thinkers prefer information presented in orderly, logical and realistic ways. They want facts, figures and data from reliable sources. Sequential thinkers prefer bright light and a formal work environment.

Global thinkers prefer the “big picture,” possibilities and options. They thrive in open-ended situations where they can use their imagination. Global thinkers prefer informal and unstructured environments.

Hot Tip #3:Match, Match, Match

Rapport language means specific types of words, which resonate with Auditory, Visual and Kinesthetic learners and Sequential and Global thinkers. Use the appropriate rapport language to match the preferences of others. To learn more about this, contact the author for a free, one-page Rapport Language List. The email link is on the Brain PathWays™ web site.

Vocal speed varies, depending on the person’s strongest sensory pathway. Pay attention to the other person’s vocal speed and match it respectfully, so they experience language alignment with you.

Body Language reveals what the person is experiencing and feeling. Imagine yourself as their dance partner. Be respectful and match subtly with similar, but not exact, movements. Make comfortable eye contact when eyes meet. Staring may make a person feel uncomfortable, whereas no eye contact may send the message that you are not interested.

In summary, secret hot tips for exceptional rapport and communication are simple and quick practical neuroscience methods that connect you with another person on deep and meaningful levels. These practices are based on conscious and respectful transmission of your message, in the way that the other person’s brain is wired to receive and process information most effectively. All personal and professional relationships you care about will benefit from these brain-based hot tips. The outcomes are always greater understanding, increased respect and enhanced ability to solve problems and move forward together.

June 22, 2011

How to Erase Scary Memories Using Practical Neuroscience

Stairs

Have you experienced situations that left emotional scars and scary memories? I am sharing how I used practical neuroscience to heal my memories of two scary personal situations, one as a 7-year-old child and another as a 70-year-old adult. The healing process involved replacing the scary aspects with positive insights, images and feelings. Replacement strategies were found to work quickly, in less than an hour, whereas “erasing” methods seemed to strengthen and reinforce the memory.

As a 7-Year-Old Child…

I lived in a three-story brick house in Queens, New York during World War II. The attic was off-limits. Being naturally curious, I snuck up there to check things out. I had nightmares about the narrow, winding, creaking stairs leading into that dark and cluttered space with dusty windows and cobwebs. For most of my adult life, thoughts about that attic sent chills up my spine.

Attempting to analyze and rationalize my memories of the attic was futile and caused more anxiety. The only logical conclusion was that nothing actually happened to me. My response was 100% due to my perception of the attic. Things were going on in my sub-conscious brain and I didn’t want to pay for professional therapy.

My do-it-yourself therapy was fun, easy and quick. I closed my eyes and imagined the attic as my favorite playroom and off-limits to anyone except me. First, I threw everything out. Windows were cleaned and opened, allowing fresh air and light to come in. I mentally equipped it with a soft and plush red carpet, daybed and pillows, lamps, radio and favorite toys, including an Erector Set and my American Flyer trains. The initial mental process took less than an hour at age 50. I repeated it only one other time when fear returned. To this day, thinking about that attic makes me feel happy and safe.

As a 70-year-Old Adult…

I was driving down a hill, entering an intersection with a 4-lane Illinois scenic highway along the Mississippi River. I made a rolling right hand turn onto the highway and caught a glimpse of an 18-wheeler scrap metal truck barreling toward me. Then I saw a wall of rusting metal pass by at blinding speed and my driver side mirror hanging by a couple of wires. Within seconds, the speeding truck was hundreds of feet ahead showing no intention of stopping.

In this situation, I had to look at my behavior. The tried and true “stop, look and listen” rule would have served me well. For several days, I experienced fear and anxiety. I needed to do some “inside work” again to heal my memory of this very scary incident.

Admitting my mistake and forgiving myself for being careless was the first step. Thinking about what could have happened, had I been one-foot closer to that speeding truck, made me tremble with fear and served no useful purpose. To defuse the memory, I imagined myself as an improved driver, constantly aware of road conditions and practicing defensive driving. Shortly after the accident, I attended an FAA meeting and listened to pilots and flight instructors sharing their best safety practices. I integrated their ideas into my driving. I am grateful for being alive and able to share this story. And, I am a safer and more competent driver.

Summary

Practical neuroscience works brilliantly to heal frightening memories. Be grateful for your brain’s ability to analyze itself, extract insights and replace negative images and feelings with positive ones. It’s never too late to improve the quality of your life if you are plagued with bad and scary memories. You have nothing to lose except the fear you want to rid yourself of.

May 13, 2011

A Vision for Manifesting Success in This Century of the Brain

Success

Image by aloshbennett via Flickr

Psychology, business models and self-improvement programs have taken us to a place where the velocity of individual and organizational development seems to have slowed down. And, the number and gravity of our individual and world problems have accelerated. We may be hitting our heads on the ceiling of solutions.

Individuals are looking for powerful ways to experience greater prosperity, have fulfilling careers, improve their personal relationships and leap-frog their lives forward. Leaders in business, government, healthcare, science and all important fields are more eager and open-minded to trying new approaches to solve their problems. The thinking of the past is incapable of solving the problems they created.

People from all walks of life want a better life and a better world to live in. It’s becoming more obvious each day that our local and global problems are interconnected. We have daunting challenges involving economic stability, employment opportunities, family prosperity, a more peaceful world, environmental issues, healthy food and clean water. There seems to be a greater awareness amongst more people that we are in this together and that we all had a small role in creating the mess.

Practical neuroscience may be one of the last frontiers for human development. The Vision for the Century of the Brain is intended to inspire and guide individuals and leaders in all walks of life to use brainpower to solve problems and create a better world.

Vision for the Century of the Brain

As we enter the Century of the Brain, we see a world where women and men of good will and shared intentions come together for manifesting positive changes in their lives without hindering or harming anyone else’s dreams. We work and think smarter, not harder. We know that the power of our brains and neuroscience is the key to manifesting what we want and avoiding what we don’t want. Conscious thought and action amongst integrous people becomes a transformative power for good.

We remember that great ideas originate from individual and collective imagination. Family units, small groups, organizational teams and leaders in all field of endeavor work together to define their desired outcomes, ideate the possibilities and create action plans that manifest their pictures of success. Joining like minds amplifies the power within and we use it wisely. Fear and negative emotions are strangers here.

We know, use and trust our brains. Instinctually, we attract and join with minds that align with our highest values and intentions. Celebrating success and the success of others is a way of life. Our miraculous brains connect us with one another and the divine.

In conclusion, if you align with the intention and central ideas contained in this Vision please share it with others. Practical neuroscience may be the unrecognized solution to our individual, family, organizational and world problems. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by using the scientific principles of leveraging brainpower. I believe we will see and experience what seem to be “miracles” when we join our minds and hearts; besides, it will be a fun and rewarding experience with a big “wow factor.”

May 6, 2011

Who Can You Trust in These Troubled Times?

Trust

Image by m-c via Flickr

Who is the most trustworthy person you know? If you name someone other than yourself, this article will give you priceless insights and information to move your life forward at lightning speed. If you can’t trust yourself, how can you trust others? Learn the reasons why you can trust your brain, the knowledge it holds and its amazing problem solving ability. Then, learn how to identify people with the best potential to become your trusted advisors so you can achieve more of what you want in life including greater prosperity, a fulfilling career and better relationships.

Trust Your Brainpower

Did you know that your brain is the only known organism in the entire universe capable of analyzing itself? It weighs in at about a whopping 3 pounds and is equipped with approximately 100 billion neurons that build the networks for memory and problem solving. Your brain has the same potential as the brain of Albert Einstein or any other genius you admire. That means it’s not how many neurons you have but how you use them. Pretty mind blowing, isn’t it?

Your brain takes in sensory information continuously on conscious and unconscious levels. You are bombarded with visual, kinesthetic, auditory, olfactory and taste inputs, even when you sleep. Your memory bank is a rich treasure chest filled with life experiences, facts and figures. It’s your representational system to navigate life. You have the cognitive ability to access memory, continuously learn and improve, solve problems and make decisions. The potential of your brain to achieve what you can imagine, plan and implement is limitless.

A good start to understanding and using your brainpower is determining your sensory and cognitive thinking strengths and “blind spots.” Be sure to select a trustworthy service provider having a statistically validated survey and practical neuroscience tools customized to your sensory score sequences and cognitive thinking preferences.

How to Make Good Personal Decisions

First, decide on the outcomes you want to experience. Be as specific as you can; use numbers, dates, and vivid descriptions of what you really want. Avoid stating what you don’t want as your brain will arrow in on these thoughts and give you more of what you want to avoid.

Next, ask yourself the following questions when looking at the possible solutions: “What looks, feels and sounds the best to me?” “What seems the most logical and at the same time has potential growth and opportunities?” “Will I regret or be happy with this decision in 3 years?” “Will I have caused any harm to myself or others as a result of this decision?” You can trust your brain to give you responses to these questions.

Trusted Advisors Multiply Your Brainpower

Trusted advisors help you achieve your goals faster and with less stress. They fill in the gaps left by what you can’t do or need to learn. Trusted advisors are a comfort when you feel alone. They can also help you make more accurate decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

Decide, thoughtfully, who your trusted advisors are. These people help you with life challenges regarding finances, childcare, health, career and relationships. The most important criteria for your trusted advisors is that their fundamental values are equal to or higher than yours. Values drive behavior and outcomes. You want advice and ideas that are based on high values that serve you and others in good ways. Be sure your trusted advisors also have the experience and knowledge you need.

You may be surprised at how many of the people you respect and admire will be honored and thrilled to be considered your trusted advisor. Also, ask your trusted advisors how you may be of service to them. You may be stunned by how they view your gifts and what you have to offer them in return for helping you. Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin.

In conclusion, you need to trust your brain before seeking trusted advisors. Your brain is the most miraculous mass of protoplasm known to mankind. Becoming better acquainted with your brain strengths and “blind spots” actually strengthens them. Neuroplasticity is the mechanism for continuous learning, cognitive problem solving and decision-making. Imagination is your greatest gift, coupled with your ability to take action, to leapfrog your life forward beyond your wildest dreams.

April 25, 2011

Help Wanted: Neuro-Magicians for the Century of the Brain

Merlin dictating his prophecies to his scribe,...

Image via Wikipedia

Have you ever been intrigued by Merlin of King Arthur days, Harry Potter or Harry Houdini? Perhaps you are a candidate for becoming a modern day neuro-magician. Neuro-magician is a newly coined term inspired by one of the last frontiers in human development…”unleashing the power of the brain.” Very few people understand how their brains are wired or how to leverage their brain strengths to create solutions to their family, career, relationship, academic and life issues. Few leaders know the neuroscience principles of motivation, communication effectiveness, accelerated learning, productivity, creative problem solving and accurate decision-making. Most people do not know how to motivate themselves and others in healthy and sustainable ways. Practical neuroscience is the unrecognized solution to these vexing human and organizational problems that psychology and business models have failed to solve.

Who are the Neuro-Magicians?

It’s been said that magic and the supernatural are the “natural” not yet understood. Make no mistake, practical neuroscience is not a magical art, although the effects may seem that way.

Neuro-magicians are people like you, who are interested in creating a better life for themselves and others using brainpower. They come from all walks of life; there are no socioeconomic barriers. Neuro-magicians are role models, coaches, educators and practitioners of practical neuroscience. They are change agents, helping people and organizations solve problems involving prosperity, health, hunger, safety, the environment, personal growth and peace-of-mind.

What do they know and hold true?

Neuro-magicians know there are no secrets to utilizing practical neuroscience for a better life. The principles and practices of practical neuroscience are safe, available and transparent. Neuro-magicians know their sensory and cognitive brain strengths and “blind spots”, and they understand how to leverage their strengths for life success.They know focused and emotionally energized thought creates reality, and that joined minds sharing high values and common goals may be the most powerful force on earth. Neuro-magicians take care of their brains and bodies for sound health, clear thinking and cognitive agility. Most importantly, they know they can make a difference in their lives, families, workplaces and causes about which they are passionate.

What are the Levels?

  • Fledgling: Learn and use their brain strengths for a better life, ideal career, harmonious relationships and accelerated personal development
  • Advanced: Role model and teach others what they have learned in their family, social circles and workplace
  • Master: Teach and coach scientists, environmentalists, educators, politicians and leaders in all important fields how to manifest positive outcomes without doing harm to anyone using the principles of practical neuroscience. Master level neuro-magicians know how to integrate brainpower, quantum physics, imagination, intellectual logic, knowledge, experience, common goals, high values and effective action plans to achieve monumental positive outcomes to daunting problems. They help organize and facilitate groups of like-minded people to multiply their brainpower, thus forming critical mass for change.

In summary, the work of neuro-magicians may appear magical or supernatural because few people know how to leverage the power of their brains and the brains of their trusted advisors. Nearly anyone can become a neuro-magician and get immediate results. It starts with leveraging your brainpower strengths in your personal life. This knowledge and competency is then extended to your family, friends, workplace and the causes in which you are interested. You will be surprised at how very few people it takes to create a critical mass for positive change. Will you be one of the pioneer neuro-magicians in this Century of the Brain?

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 954 other followers