Posts tagged ‘Mental health’

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November 22, 2011

Are Your Mental Models on the High or Low Road?

Road Closed

Peter Senge in his The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organization (1990) describes mental models as “deeply ingrained assumptions, generalizations, or even pictures of images that influence how we understand the world and how we take action.” Mental models have profound impact on how we view, react to and respond to the world; they shape our decisions, relationships and quality-of-life. They affect us on all levels –personal, social, professional, organizational, national and global.

My purpose is to raise your level of awareness of what mental models are and how they operate.  Practical neuroscience principles and tools help you challenge, change and manage your mental models for a better, more peaceful and less stressful life.

Personal Observations of Mental Models

  • Mental models are stored information and emotional imprints of how your brain perceived  and remembered direct personal experiences, as well as information learned from a third party or indirect source like the media.
  • Mental models that yield harmful outcomes to you and/or others are good candidates for examination and changed thinking.
  • Formed over time from accumulated information, mental models may also be developed quickly and deeply depending on their importance and emotional impact.
  • Most people are unaware of their mental models, where they came from and their effects.
  • Mental models are subtle and challenging to identify and describe.
  • They seem to operate in a “back room” or subconscious part of our brain.
  • Our mental models tend to get stronger over time as human nature wants to “be right” about its opinions.
  • Mental models may or may not be verifiable through direct experience or independent observations from integrous people.

I believe the core question is “how well do my mental models serve me and others,” rather than “are my mental models right or wrong?” There is no right way of taking in and processing sensory information because everyone perceives and interprets information differently. A group of people agreeing on something doesn’t make it true; the process merely bonds the group around something they hold to be true. Needless arguments, and even wars, ensue due to differences of opinion about mental models.

Evaluating Mental Models

These everyday life situations give you a grasp of what mental models look like; each pair contains differences of mindset for illustrative purposes. As you look them over, ask yourself which ones might serve you and others best, rather than deciding on what may be correct or in error. The purpose of this exercise is to shift your focus to a “high road” or positive perspective for evaluating mental models. Hopefully, these examples will stimulate your thinking to write down your mental models that serve you well or poorly.

Low Road: Good ideas for innovation are drying up and there is limited opportunity for me to prosper.

High Road: Good ideas for new products, technology and services are endless and infinite.

 

Low Road: We live in a competitive world of scarcity.

High Road: We live in a world of boundless opportunity where situational cooperation is possible.

 

Low Road: Girls do poorly in math and science.

High Road: Anyone can learn what interests him or her, when in a supportive environment.

 

Low Road: You can’t trust people who look , act and speak a certain way.

High Road: There are trustworthy and untrustworthy people in all walks of life.

 

Low Road: In this economy, no one will interview me, much less, hire me.

High Road: I have transferable skills and positive traits that some employer is looking for.

 

Low Road:  I can’t trust myself behind the wheel due to my driving record and what my spouse says.

High Road: A refresher course will make me a safer, more dependable and better defensive driver.

 

Low Road: I can’t learn new things because I made poor grades and my teacher said I was stupid.

High Road: My brain has infinite capacity to grow, get stronger, learn quickly and make great decisions.

 

Low Road: It’s unlikely I’ll live beyond 73 because of my family health history.

High Road: Good health practices and a positive mental attitude will increase my quality-of-life and perhaps add years to my life span.

In conclusion, mental models are what we believe and hold to be true about life. They are our “software programming” that drives thinking, opinions and behaviors. There is always an outcome from every mental model, although they may not be obvious. People vehemently agree or disagree on the truth of their mental models. The defining moment for challenging a mental model occurs when the focus shifts to the desired outcome. Clarity can best be achieved by examining gaps between what is desired and the outcome that actually occurs. This is the only way I know to break the endless cycle of defending and attacking mental models.

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September 1, 2011

Can Practical Neuroscience Methods Help Adults with ADHD?

High Dopamine Transporter Levels Not Correlate...

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A recent St. Louis public TV special on Adult ADHD stimulated my thinking about this rapidly growing phenomenon. My first reaction was that I possess several characteristics of ADHD and wonder what an accurate diagnosis would reveal. I then thought about people I work with who have one or more ADHD symptoms and are competent, accomplished and self-fulfilled individuals with successful careers and harmonious personal relationships. I have used practical neuroscience strategies for over two decades to learn and perform in areas I never thought possible. These thoughts gave me hope that self-help is possible for tens of millions of people suffering from this condition.

My questions are:

  • Can adults diagnosed with ADHD help themselves manage specific negative traits?
  • Is the rate of adult ADHD growing and getting worse, or are increased awareness of the problem and improved diagnosis methods, finally revealing a human condition that has been around for a very long time?
  • What effect does physical environment, the economy and world affairs have on this condition?
  • What, besides prescription drugs and psychotherapy, may help people with mild and severe symptoms?

The following is a short list of Adult ADHD symptoms and traits, which may become more manageable using practical neuroscience self-help methods. Severe behavioral symptoms that typically require a combination of prescription drugs and psychotherapy are not addressed here. The list is organized by the three commonly used ADHD categories. Following each trait is a summary of how self-awareness of sensory and cognitive thinking strengths and “blind spots” may provide some level of relief and increased performance.

Hyperactivity

1. Impulsive movement, fidgeting and touching things

A high percentage of the population is comprised of Kinesthetic learners. Their world revolves around physical movement, hands-on activities and how things feel. When Kinesthetic preferences are significantly stronger and more dominant than Visual and Auditory preferences, the Kinesthetic traits associated with ADHD become more observable and may appear extreme. This imbalance can be managed by strengthening the next strongest sensory pathway, Visual or Auditory. Jobs, household activities, hobbies and sports activities, requiring extensive use of Kinesthetic skill sets, are healthy and productive outlets for highly Kinesthetic individuals.

Impulsivity

2. Interrupting others

Most people are poor listeners and do not realize how little meaning they extract from what is said. Very few are able to detect underlying feelings and intention by listening to tone-of-voice. Talking over other people and interrupting is frequently an unconscious act of people with low Auditory preferences and can undermine relationships. When individuals know their Auditory acuity is low, they can improve communication effectiveness in conversations by merely being more aware that they are poor listeners. This shift in awareness actually improves their listening ability through focus on their “non-preference.” Paraphrasing what they heard, making comfortable eye contact and asking questions to gain clarity strengthen listening ability, while improving relationship harmony. Everyone can gain from these practical neuroscience communication methods.

3. Switching tasks rapidly

Some people’s brains are wired to think Globally, in terms of the “big picture.” They live in a world of possibilities and options and are comfortable with open-ended situations. They naturally tend to jump around from task to task, giving casual observers the impression that they are accomplishing very little. Global thinking people have much to offer the world, however, when it comes to identifying future solutions and outcomes for current situations in need of change. Individuals with this cognitive preference should align themselves with Global activities to make use of their strengths. Global thinkers should also consider seeking help with life’s practical matters from Sequential-thinking, trusted advisors.

Inattention

4. Time management and organization

Issues with time management and organization may share the same core cause as rapid task switching. Time management and organizations skills can be learned under most circumstances. This is where Sequential-thinking family members and co-workers can  role model and coach Sequential skills.

5. Work related mistakes and accidents

Every person has “blind spots” related to their least preferred sensory and cognitive pathways.  Decreased attention to these pathways means increased likelihood of mistakes and accidents. Examples include:

  • Low Auditory – may not hear something important
  • Low Visual  – may miss seeing something important
  • Low Kinesthetic  – may be physically awkward and clumsy
  • Low Sequential – may not follow logical steps or safe protocols
  • Low Global – may miss identifying possibilities and options when logic fails

Awareness of “blind spots” allows for increased focus, when the risk of a mistake or accident is highest.

It’s also advisable to have trusted friends “cover your blind spots” with their strengths.

6. Taking longer to complete tasks than others

This condition is common to all people, as a function of their sensory and cognitive thinking strengths and “blind spots.” You tend to get more, productive work done, when using your strongest and most preferred pathways. What most people do not know is that they can boost personal productivity by creating a physical environment conducive to doing specific tasks and activities. Examples:

  • Auditory tasks – quiet and interruption free environment
  • Visual tasks – organized, attractive, uncluttered environment
  • Kinesthetic tasks – comfortable environment that allows movement
  • Sequential tasks – formal environment
  • Global tasks – informal environment

Performing tasks in compatible environments often boosts productivity by 20% -60%.

7. Relationship conflicts

Nearly everyone has difficulty communicating with some of the people in their life. This is when his or her “transmitting style” is out-of-sync with another person’s “receiving style.” Some combinations of sensory sequence and cognitive processing style place a person at high risk to be out of alignment with a large percentage of the people they interact with at home and work. Knowing the communication preferences of others, allows adjustment of one’s “transmitting style” to their “receiving styles,” thus enhancing rapport and understanding.

In conclusion, you have nothing to lose by learning how your brain is wired to receive and process sensory information and by knowing your “blind spots.” These insights may be what you need to know to manage your ADHD symptoms, regardless of your diagnosis. You may be delighted and surprised by how much you can improve and achieve with self-administered and safe practical neuroscience knowledge and tools. Look online for trusted sources of statistically validated practical neuroscience assessment products like Brain PathWays™ to help you and your loved ones relieve Adult ADHD symptoms.

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August 30, 2011

Turbo-Boost Your Body and Brainpower for Peak Performance

health

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Provide your brain and body with what they need for consistent high performance with these practical, science-based tips.

Your brain is the most miraculous mass of protoplasm in the known universe. It weighs in at a whopping 3 pounds and has approximately 100 billion neurons capable of connecting with one another in multiple ways to create memory and computing power that boggles the imagination. It’s your navigation system for life.

Your brain needs a healthy and vibrant body to function properly and vice versa. The following tips apply to general health and well-being, managing stress and keeping you alert and focused so you can perform at peak levels.

  • Fuel for Your Brain and Body

These ideas are intended to stimulate your thinking and motivate independent research to create and implement your optimum brain and body turbo boosting diet. Four to six small and nutrient rich meals per day provide a steady flow of fuel for consistent high performance. “Fatty fish” (e.g. salmon and tuna) containing omega-3 oils seems to be amongst the top ten recommendations from trusted sources for brain and body health. Fresh fruits high in antioxidants and nutrient-rich vegetables having a “rainbow of colors” come highly recommended. Protein sources include nuts, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, fish, poultry and low fat animal sources. Green tea is high in antioxidants and known as a brain boosting beverage. Four to six, or more, glasses of water is a given. Avocados have monounsaturated sources of fat that increase blood flow to the brain, important minerals and antioxidant properties. Look into turmeric that may protect your brain against disease, improve your vision and strengthen your immune system; look for preparations that include pepper to help your body assimilate this miraculous spice.

  • Exercise and Posture

Do exercise you enjoy to strengthen your lungs, heart and muscles a minimum of 20 minutes  per session, 3 or more times per week. Good posture while sitting, walking and driving will pay dividends now and in the future. Your spinal chord is the “central wiring system” connecting your brain and body. Pay attention to ergonomics where you work, eat, relax, play and sleep.

Stress causes distress and eventually disease. It’s no fun experiencing stress from worry, a tired body, fatigued brain, and an inhospitable environment. You most likely will make mistakes in what you are doing when stress takes hold. Also, relationships may suffer if you are interacting with others. Simple techniques help you prevent and manage stress.

Oxygen is vital for healthy brain function. Deep and rhythmic breathing is a good practice, particularly under stress, when most people tend to breathe shallowly or hold their breath. Drinking clean ice water, rich in dissolved oxygen, helps brain function as well as flushing body toxins. Exercise is also a great, therapeutic way to increase brainpower and keep the body healthy.

Take a break when you first feel the early signs of stress. Getting physically away from where you are, even for 5-10 minutes, will help you reframe and gather your wits. Do something different like taking a short walk, closing your eyes to meditate, having a short conversation with someone you trust, eating a snack, drinking a healthy beverage or listening to calming music.

Kinesthetic Cross-Overs help increase the distribution of electrical energy, blood flow and oxygen between the two brain hemispheres. Take your right or left thumb and hold it in front of your eyes. Trace an imaginary large figure “8.” Follow the motion of your thumb with your eyes. Do three to five sequences, or more, in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. You may also toss a ball from one hand to another to get the same effect.

When you are tired and working too long at one thing your focus and attention drops off.  Mistakes and costly accidents can occur. Practical neuroscience methods keep you at peak levels of performance.

Peppermint will perk up your brain when you feel sleepy and need to stay focused and alert. Essential oils, mints and chewing gum work well when driving a vehicle and when you need to  stay on task while working.

Frequent breaks are recommended, particularly when doing highly stressful activities. Typically,  the adult attention span is 20 – 30 minutes. It makes sense to take short and frequent breaks, timed with the decline of your attention and performance.

Classical music is known to put your brain in an optimal state for high levels of cognitive  processing and performance. Popular music may stimulate emotions that can distract you and  cause you to think about the words, rather than what you have to do.

  • Think About What You Think About

What you give attention to gets stronger and persists because of neuroplasticity. It’s like exercising a muscle. When you think about a subject, talk about it, and take in additional sensory information to expand your knowledge and understanding, your memory get stronger, like growing a root system of a tree. If you’re thinking about what you don’t want in life, quickly reverse negative thoughts into polar opposite positive thoughts and outcomes so  you will get what you really want to experience. Always think positively and optimistically, even when life is challenging and looks bleak.

In conclusion, small and frequent portions of healthy food, pure water, oxygenation, exercise, proper posture and practical neuroscience are great ways to stay healthy, manage stress and maintain focus to be the very best you can be. A positive mental attitude always wins out and makes life better.

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August 2, 2011

Regaining Your Personal Power Through Neuroscience and Love

A firm hand on the tiller

Image by Ruth Flickr via Flickr

Are you feeling lost and powerless? Perhaps you’re wondering how you got to where you are and what you need to do to get to a better place. Many people are experiencing confusion, fear and uncertainty during these troubled times. Regaining your personal power is your navigation system to a better life. Personal power is a combination of brainpower, “heart power” and a sprinkling of “ego power.”

What is Personal Power?

Personal power is when you experience what you want regardless of what’s going on around you. People with personal power consciously and deliberately use practical neuroscience to manifest the most important things they need for fulfillment and growth. The highest level of personal power is when you add “heart power,” or love, to brainpower.

Personal power is also being self-aware of your mental, emotional and physical nature and continuously improving each on a daily basis. Through continuous learning and positive actions, your state of mind and body improves; likewise, your knowledge and “tool box” of manifestation methods grows as well. This process strengthens and increases your personal power.

Great leaders use personal power and the power of like minds to create positive and sustainable change. They know we live in an infinite and abundant universe capable of creating what we want through thoughts, words and actions. Great leaders are resolute and confident when changing things for highest good. In the words of Winston Churchill, “never, ever give up.”

Brainpower

The underlying neuroscience concept for using brainpower to manifest change is to define and get very clear on what you want, rather than what you don’t. Your brain attracts and creates experiences it imagines and thinks about.

Make your goals real by writing them down, imagining wonderful outcomes and thinking about the positive feelings associated with what you want. It’s essential to develop and keep a positive mental attitude and it helps to make and work a plan.

Heart Power

True personal power does no harm to anyone. Love knows that everyone is doing the best they can. Judgment enters the picture because we are all capable of doing better and improving. This statement may help you understand why people attack themselves and others. Everything is relative like “hot and cold,” “good and bad;” it all depends on your perspective, based on your life experience.

Love places you in “neutral gear,” where you quietly and calmly observe and evaluate what’s going on. The goal is understanding the dynamics and potential outcomes. Avoid getting caught up in an emotional state that blocks clear thinking. You can take action if you wish; just do no harm to anyone. Attacks and judgment fuel volatile situations like injecting oxygen into a blast furnace. Forgiveness, love and non-judgment heal.

Ego Power

Ego power is about “me, me, wonderful me.” At extreme levels, narcissistic egotistical behavior dominates without regard for others. It’s highly unlikely that anyone reading this article falls into this category because these extremists have no interest in brainpower and love power. Using a combination of neuroscience, brainpower and love, automatically puts the ego in check. So, a sprinkling of ego makes your journey interesting and fun. Your ego is a part of you and deserves respect and love.

Summary

True personal power is in trusting that your brain, heart and the natural order of the universe are working in your favor. A gentle and firm hand on the “tiller” will keep you on-course while you remain alert to changing conditions, opportunities and risks.

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July 29, 2011

Looking for Solutions in All the Wrong Places

Advice

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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.

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January 27, 2011

Your State of Mind Barometer

The Brain Limbic System

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Do you have days when you are happy, energized and operating at peak performance? Are there other times when you feel stressed out, fearful and drained? What causes these swings? Most importantly, what can you do when you’re feeling out-of-sync? An easy to use neuroscience tool helps you monitor your daily state of mind. Powerful and safe neuroscience methods are your “elevator” to reach your higher brain state and potential.

Neuroscience Principles

1. You have three interconnected brains:

2. Your reptilian brain needs attention first

This is your oldest evolutionary brain, located at the base of the brain stem. It controls your breathing, heartbeat and basic sensory motor functions like balance and muscles. You may know this part of your brain as your “fight or flight” instinct. The reptilian brain communicates and responds to real and perceived safety, survival and physical pain issues. It’s impossible to function at high levels when you are in a “reptilian state.”

3. Your limbic system is your mood elevator to peak performance

This is your next oldest brain. It’s sometimes called the “mammalian brain” and is the seat of emotions. Your limbic system communicates how you feel, records positively and negatively charged memories and controls how your body reacts to emotional situations. It needs to communicate with the neocortex to process information. Your brain creates endorphins (you experience feelings, sensations and emotions) when you interact with external situations and think about certain things. The intensity will vary depending on the memory and value you place on them. Negative emotions like fear, anger, attack and danger can block you from thinking clearly and performing at your highest level. Positive thoughts and emotions (e.g. love, curiosity, feeling safe, good self-esteem and excitement about doing something fun or important) act as the “mood elevator” to your neocortex.

4. Your neocortex is the driver seat for performance excellence

This is your most recently evolved brain. It’s located over the limbic system and is your advanced “thinking brain.” The neocortex represents two-thirds of your brain mass. It has the most neuron cells, the building blocks for memory, intelligence, problem solving, decision making and performance excellence.

State of Mind Barometer

Use the State of Mind barometer as a quick daily check. Circle the statements that most clearly describe you in the present moment.

Lower Brain States

  • Tired and stressed
  • Abrupt and rude
  • Insensitive to others
  • Thinking and using “wounding words”
  • Judgmental and condemning
  • Thinking and acting negatively
  • Depressed and lethargic
  • Upset, anxious and fearful
  • Worried, stuck and frozen
  • Avoiding challenging situations
  • Grim, heavy and feeling “gravity”

Higher Brain States

  • Energized and alert
  • Polite and gracious
  • Sensitive to other people’s lives
  • Thinking and using “healing words”
  • Understanding and forgiving
  • Thinking and acting positively
  • Energized and proactive
  • Calm, thoughtful and deliberate
  • Moving forward in a positive direction
  • Facing challenges with faith and courage
  • Light hearted with a sense of humor

Higher brain states indicate you are probably experiencing towering levels of self-actualization. You undoubtedly feel fulfilled and are an inspiration and magnet to others. If you have one or more “lower brain” statements circled, and want to move to a higher state, consider using the following neuroscience methods to reach and function from your neocortex.

Methods to Shift from Lower to Higher Brain States

1. Body needs come first

This includes sleep, rest, play, food, fluids, proper diet, exercise, elimination, treatment of physical pain and disease.

2. Take a break from what you are doing

Fatigue can set in even when we are doing things we enjoy. Build in frequent breaks when working, thinking, solving problems and making decisions. Do something different and enjoyable.

3. Oxygenate

Deep breathing, walking, stretching, sports and drinking ice water increase oxygen to your brain and make you feel much better.

4. Think positive thoughts

For every negative thought, think a positive thought (e.g. replace “I am stressed and angry” with “I am alert and forgiving.”) The brain can’t tell the difference between what’s happening “out there” or “in here.” “Fake it until you make it” means thinking what you want to experience until you experience it. This really works!

5. Music soothes the savage beast

Playing works from Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Brahms and similar composers activates positive “upper brain” (neocortex) pathway states. Think about the times when music had a beneficial effect on your state of mind. Music is a quick escape route from lower brain states.

6. Pay attention to what you look at, listen to and do.

Make your movie, TV, radio, reading materials and hobby selections align with the brain state you want to live in. If you want more peace of mind and calmness then avoid movies and materials that contain violence, terror, wounding words and war.

7. Pay attention to people and organizations you associate with

Make choices that align with the values and behaviors you want to experience.

In conclusion, you can experience a better, less stressful and more abundant life. Your higher brain is the engine for performance excellence and living the life of your dreams. A simple diagnostic check each day helps you determine if you are in a lower or higher brain state. These powerful and safe neuroscience methods are your “elevator” to reach your higher brain state and greatest potential.

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January 19, 2011

Words That Wound and Heal

Official presidential portrait of Barack Obama...

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On Wednesday, January 13, 2011, President Obama addressed a memorial service for those killed and injured during a mass shooting in Arizona. The President urged Americans to “make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds.” This statement is a wake-up call to think deeper about the manner in which we communicate with one another. You may be surprised to learn who the first injured person is from “wounding words”. What is your strategy when you are on the receiving end of unkind, harsh and unpleasant words? Practical neuroscience provides strategies on how to communicate with “healing words” and what to do when in a “wounding word” environment. Imagine what daily life would be like if you and the people with whom you associate communicated in kinder and more respectful ways.

Examples

Wounding Words:

  • I hate you
  • You’re stupid
  • You’re wrong
  • You’re worthless

The list is deliberately short. How do you feel when you see these and related words in print, say them aloud or hear someone else speak them? Do these words and the thoughts behind them have any enduring value? Do they build good will, self worth and esteem? Are they good and decent foundational language for healthy long-term relationships?

Healing Words:

  • I love you
  • I appreciate you
  • Thank you
  • Please
  • You’re welcome
  • I forgive you
  • Forgive me
  • I am sorry
  • I can see you’re in pain
  • May I express my feelings and thoughts?
  • Help me understand your point of view
  • How can we coexist peacefully with different points of view?
  • These are the things I value about you
  • May I help you?

The litmus test for “healing words” is how they make you (and others) react, respond and feel. Is the experience positive, uplifting and respectful? Do they help you feel safe, valued and cared about? Are you in a better place?

Neuroscience Principles of Words

1. Words are symbols that create meaning

Words are symbols of ideas that communicate information and help us navigate life. The environment and circumstances in which we learned language strongly affects meaning and the way we respond when we see and hear specific words. Various people may react differently to the same word because it carries different meaning for each of them.

2. Words create emotions and feelings

Your brain creates feelings and emotional responses to thoughts, words, and experiential situations. These reactions range from barely discernable to extremely strong, depending on the   conditions when your memories were built. Interestingly, people tend to “feel words” after thinking about them, saying/hearing them or seeing them visually.

3. Words impact the orator and the audience

How often do we think about the impact of our thoughts and words on our own well being or the well being of others? The person thinking or saying words that wound or heal will be the first to experience the effect. The words we speak aloud or communicate visually affect us as well as our audience. Therefore, intentions and selection of words have positive or negative impact on all parties.

Strategies

There are neuroscience strategies for transmitting and receiving communications to help assure positive outcomes and protect oneself against “wounding words.”

For “transmitters” of words:

What are your desired outcomes?

Think about the purpose of your communication and the outcomes you want. Do all parties benefit or is the situation one sided? Does the purpose involve providing useful information, teaching, sharing points of view, giving instructions, making a decision or solving a problem? Will people be uplifted, feel safe and experience an improvement in quality of life?

How will you deliver your message?

Will you use healing or wounding words? Think about the state of mind, receptivity and culture of your audience. What is your mental, emotional and physical condition to craft and deliver the words by auditory and visual means? It’s best to be in top form, because your physical, mental and emotional state is projected into the audience experience.

Use your head and heart

Use your head to think about your desired outcomes and how you will deliver your message. Imagine speaking through your heart, using it as the transmitter to deliver kind, caring and polite messages. When communicating from your heart, you may be surprised by the reaction from your audience as well as by what you experience.

For “receivers” of words:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me”

This well known expression contains great wisdom. How can words really harm us? It’s our emotional response and interpretation that give us a wounding or healing experience. When in a “wounding word” situation, say this quote aloud and think about the principles behind it. Refrain from retaliating with an attack because you will hurt yourself and others. Try thinking “healing thoughts” and using “healing words” to neutralize the situation.

Trust tone of voice and body language more than the words

Pay attention to people’s tone of voice and body language. They convey a person’s state of mind and possible intentions. An angry tone, profanity, facial and body tension will tend to wound regardless of the words. A calm and caring voice, using the person’s name, respectful manners and comfortable eye contact will create a healing environment, assuming the words are congruent.

In conclusion, using “healing words” is a choice leading to positive outcomes for all parties. When in a hostile environment, fraught with wounding words, defuse the situation with “healing thoughts and words.” Consider role modeling and teaching the principles and practices of “healing words” to people you trust, who are interested in making positive changes in the world.

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January 10, 2011

4 Simple Steps to Make New Year Resolutions Stick

New Year's Eve 2010 - Times Square, NYC - 1...

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What’s your “batting average” in accomplishing your resolutions? If you’re like most people, you make resolutions thoughtfully and with very sincere intentions. You undoubtedly have an inner faith that you can achieve what you want in life. These goals may involve breaking a habit, improving a relationship, getting a better job, eliminating debt, saving money, losing weight or changing something unpleasant in your life. Do you know the reasons why most people fail in achieving their resolutions? More importantly, do you know the key steps to make your resolutions stick and become reality? Using the power of your brain and your trusted advisors is the key to manifesting your New Year resolutions.

The major reasons why most people fail to accomplish their resolutions are:

  • Instead of clearly picturing their desired outcomes, many focus on what they do not want. This is why so many people continue to get the same old results, even with the best of intentions to experience something different.
  • Many people don’t know how to build new neural pathways that attract and create the object of their resolutions.
  • Most people get distracted and discouraged after a week or more without experiencing progress.

Here are four simple and powerful neuroscience steps for manifesting your resolutions:

1. Believe It’s Possible. Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) said, in his landmark 1937 book, that “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.” He was so right. Your brain creates your reality and how you experience, react and respond to the world. It’s an inside game. Modern neuroscience has proven that leveraging your brain power is the key to manifesting your desired reality. The first step in making resolutions become real is to know and believe in the power of your brain.

2. Name It. Be extremely specific about what you want as desired outcomes. If your resolution involves debt reduction and saving money, then state the dollar amounts, dates, creditors to be paid, where savings will be invested and other specifics. Be sure to describe the interim and end-point events in detail, so there is no shadow-of- doubt when your resolution has been actualized. Walk away from all thinking regarding what you do not want, because this activity strengthens the neural pathway memory banks that helped create the situation you want to change. This step must be accomplished with clarity of mind and positive specificity.

3. Make it Real. This 3-part step is often ignored. Visualize in your “minds eye” and record in visual media (e.g. computer, sketch pad, mind map, scrap book) the following:

  • Your desired outcomes from Step 2. These are the facts, figures and specifics.
  • What do you want to experience in your “feeling world?” The stronger the emotions, the more likely your brain will engage enthusiastically with the process of finding solutions, working the plan and staying motivated. How do you see yourself feeling: relieved, happy, load off-your-back, lighter, free, clearer mind, able to move forward with life, more energy, less stress? Also, think about what you will be able to say about yourself after achieving this resolution. What will the people close to you see and say?
  • How will you achieve your resolution? Record your key ideas only. It’s not necessary to make a detailed plan because the above steps will engage your unconscious brain to get into gear, keep you motivated and achieve what you have conceived. Also, think about a couple of trusted advisors who have the knowledge and competencies to help you achieve your resolution. Ask these people to help you and offer to help them with their resolutions.

4. Trust the Process and Celebrate Success. The above steps are all you need to do. You have successfully programmed what you want to achieve and the benefits (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual). These constitute the “outcomes.” You have also “primed the pump” with initial implementation ideas. As you experience progress, even ideas and inspirations of what to do, celebrate success and the magnificence of your brain. Remember to thank your trusted advisors for their help and to keep them updated on your progress.

In conclusion, practical neuroscience is the key to manifesting what you want and avoiding what you don’t want. Be boldly audacious in visualizing what you want. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between shooting for the barn steeple or the stars. It also doesn’t know the difference between inner or outer world experiences. Because outer experiences originate from the “inner world,” doesn’t it make sense to create your world from where true creation occurs? The power of your brain is a powerful force that is 100% under your direct control. Joining like minds with trusted advisors amplifies the power.

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November 23, 2010

5 Reasons We’re Thankful For Our Miraculous Brains

For nearly two decades, Deanna Phelps (my life partner and co-creator of brain-based human development products) and I have been bringing neuroscience-based solutions to business world problems like employee engagement, productivity, communication effectiveness, sales success, risk management, team development and organizational learning. In 2010, we launched our 18-year-old dream to bring practical neuroscience into the lives of the general public. Practical neuroscience for better daily living touches virtually all aspects of life with special emphasis on relationships, performance excellence, careers, personal growth and the “stress-distress-disease connection.”

Working with brain-based human development technology is a humbling and rewarding experience. We compiled the following reasons why we’re thankful for our miraculous brains, thinking our reasons may help you leap-frog forward in creating a better life with less stress.

1. The human brain is totally unique. Our ability to join “minds” (brains) may be the most powerful force on earth. We are grateful for this potential and hold the thought that more people will combine their brainpower to make good and positive changes in their lives and the world in which we live. We are thankful that people can combine their knowledge, life experiences and brain strengths with one another. Our brains are exquisitely designed for full-spectrum relationships, thus amplifying the infinite potential of human experience.

2. The brain is the only known organism capable of analyzing itself and weighs about a whopping 3 pounds. Whether you’re Albert Einstein or Joe Schmo, your brain boasts roughly 100 billion neurons. It’s not how many neurons you have, but how you use them. You can change and reinvent yourself and the world you live in each and every day by what you choose to think about and engage with. We are all creators of our experiences by virtue of our miraculous brains. For this truth, we are particularly thankful.

3. The brain is naturally curious and has infinite capacity to learn and grow. The greater the challenge, the stronger our brains become. It’s like exercising muscles. We can keep our current abilities polished by using them; established neuronal networks stay strong and fire, like spark plugs, on demand. We can also step outside our comfort zones and build new abilities. Repetition and persistent focus expand our neuronal networks like building a giant root system in a redwood forest. The strength and the stability of the redwood forest is the interconnecting root system. This is a good analogy for joining minds.

4. We are all smarter than we think, despite society’s labels for intelligence. Howard Gardner, Harvard psychologist, has shown you have multiple intelligences and particular learning talents that are uniquely yours. He has identified nine intelligences or ways of expressing your intelligence. They are: Auditory (word smart), Visual (picture smart), Kinesthetic (body smart), Sequential-Mathematical (number and reasoning smart), Musical (music smart), Intrapersonal (self smart), Interpersonal (people smart), Naturalist (nature smart), and Spiritual (consciousness smart).  The question is not “How smart are you?” but “How are you smart? We think the list is much larger and complex than it seems and for this, too, we are thankful.

5. Dr. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, said, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.” This 1937 landmark book contained all the basic principles of manifesting through brainpower well before The Secret and The Law of Attraction became popular. You can trust your brain to learn, solve problems, make decisions and perform with excellence. The power of joining like minds with trusted advisors for noble purposes creates greatness with a multiplying effect. This is like the majestic redwood forests mentioned earlier.

In conclusion, we hope these grateful thoughts spark your brain’s natural curiosity to learn more about itself and how it’s possible to live the life of your dreams.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

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October 27, 2010

Everyone’s Doing the Best They Can

Does the title seem a bit outrageous, particularly when you observe sub-par performance in someone from whom you expect more? That someone may be you or a person you work or live with. Rather than moving into judgment, let’s examine why everyone is doing the best they can. Perhaps you will be kinder to yourself and others after understanding the underlying neuroscience principles of performance excellence. These insights improve relationships by suspending judgment and raise the bar for other areas you want to improve.

Think about something you recently did poorly but with which you have a good track record. Were you calm or in a stressed state? Was the physical environment right? Were you thinking too much about the activity rather than trusting your instincts and training? Were you worried or experiencing pain? Your physical environment and brain-body state has significant impact on performance. This applies to doing something you are good at or learning something entirely new. “State” is the first part of understanding why people are doing the best they can. The other part is “resources.”

Resources are your skill sets, knowledge and physical equipment. People can be considered “resources” when they are an integral part of the activity in which you are engaged. Let’s take tennis as an example. Are the racquet, clothing and shoes comfortable and in good working order? Have you researched your opponent and developed your game plan? Do you have the skills and stamina to execute the shots and moves? Are your friends and coach present to support and cheer you on to victory? If not, your resources may be inadequate to get the outcomes you want.

State-of-mind and resources work hand-in-hand to achieve performance excellence. If one or both are lacking and not working together, performance will suffer. When you experience yourself or others performing poorly in relationships, work and life choices, think about the “state-resources connection” to suspend judgment and understand the dynamics of what’s going on.

You can increase your performance in any activity by utilizing the neuroscience principles of state and resources. Pilots use pre-flight checklists to gain awareness of their state and resources. This includes how they and their crew are feeling, as well as their equipment, aircraft environment, flight plan, weather conditions and other factors. Develop your own checklist for the activities you want to improve. Consider both “state” and “resources” as you create and use your lists for practice and performance. Integrating these two elements will get your brain and body connected and engaged to achieve performance excellence.

Self awareness and mastery of your sensory and cognitive thinking pathway strengths is essential to experience performance excellence. You must know how your brain is wired and what makes you tick to build knowledge, competencies and skills. Your comprehensive and personalized 14-page Brain PathWays report is available on www.brainpathways.net. Brain PathWays is the world leader in practical neuroscience for better daily living.

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