Friday Thoughts on GROWTH#8
Cognitive neuroscience, strategic thinking and developing GROWTH
So you have completed the GROWTH mindset programme and reached the end. With endings come beginnings which can herald the start of the life that you were born to live.
I want everyone to thrive not just survive!
Part of the ability to thrive comes alongside the ability to have strategic and critical thinking.
So let’s delve into the fascinating field of cognitive neuroscience and explore how it relates to strategic and critical thinking. 🧠💡
Behavioural Game Theory and Neural Basis:
Game theory is the mathematical analysis of strategic interactions. While it has been widely used in economics and theoretical biology, its impact on psychology and neuroscience has been less pronounced.
Behavioural game theory aims to understand the strategic computations that people actually make. It focuses on explaining both choices in various games and biological activity.
The premise is that game theory can help elucidate the neural basis of strategic thinking. By defining what players are likely to do and suggesting reasoning algorithms, game theory provides precision.
Researchers estimate whether individuals use these algorithms by observing behavior and psychological indicators (such as response times and eye tracking). These indicators serve as parametric regressors to identify candidate brain circuits encoding strategic reasoning.
Prefrontal Cortex and Strategic Thinking:
The prefrontal cortex, specifically the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, plays a crucial role in strategic thinking.
This brain region allows us to:
Zoom out: Envision alternative strategies and possibilities.
Adapt: Respond effectively to different contexts.
The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is interconnected with other brain areas, including memory centers, bodily signals, heart rate, and breathing rhythm.
When given space, it helps calm down the default arousal of the nervous system, facilitating strategic thought.
However, prolonged hyperarousal can lead to knee-jerk reactions, bypassing intentional strategic thinking.
Creating Space for Strategic Thinking:
To enhance strategic thinking, leaders (and we are all leaders in our life!) can:
Consciously reduce arousal: By intentionally calming the nervous system.
Allow the prefrontal cortex to function: Providing mental space for strategic considerations.
Envision alternative strategies: Encourage creative thinking beyond immediate reactions.
Adapt to different contexts: Recognise when to shift strategies based on changing circumstances.
In summary, understanding the neural mechanisms behind strategic thinking can empower us all to make more informed decisions and navigate complex situations effectively.
It is going to take a whole lot of strategic decisions when we want to change our life so let us look at the intersecior between that and the neural basis for it.
Neuroplasticity and Adaptation:
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s remarkable ability to change and adapt due to experience.
It involves both functional changes (due to brain damage) and structural changes (due to learning).
Imagine your brain as a flexible, adaptable network of neurons that can rewire itself based on your life experiences.
When you encounter new situations or challenges, your brain responds by adjusting its neural connections.
This process allows you to learn, grow, and adapt to the changing environment.
Why We Resist Change:
Our brain naturally resists change because it associates it with uncertainty.
Uncertainty triggers our fight-or-flight response, diverting resources away from rational thought.
Even when change is beneficial, our brain’s survival instincts kick in, leading to resistance.
The cycle looks like this:
Change (uncertainty) ➡️ Threat response (fight or flight) ➡️ Increased anxiety and fear ➡️ Reduced ability to focus and think clearly ➡️ Impaired performance and heightened emotion.
The Power of Routine and Habits:
Our brains love routine and habits because they conserve energy.
The basal ganglia, a group of neurons in the temporal lobe, orchestrates routine activities.
These habits become hardwired into our brain, making them challenging to override.
Whether good or bad, habits shape our behaviour and influence our decisions.
Replacing bad habits with more powerful ones is possible over time.
IF WE WANT THEM TO!
Inertia and Laziness:
As humans, we suffer from natural inertia—we tend to remain at rest unless acted upon.
Our autonomic nervous system optimises energy use, making us inherently lazy.
Even when we decide to move, our brain seeks the most energy-efficient way.
Overcoming inertia requires intentional effort and motivation.
Neuroplasticity and Lifelong Learning:
Neuroplasticity isn’t limited to childhood; it occurs throughout our lives.
Synaptic pruning—strengthening useful connections and eliminating weak ones—shapes our brain.
By learning new things, we create and strengthen neural pathways.
Benefits include enhanced cognitive capabilities, recovery from brain injuries, and improved brain fitness.
In summary, embracing change involves understanding our brain’s tendencies, leveraging neuroplasticity, and intentionally shaping our habits.
All change involves neuroplasticity.
Here are some practical ways to promote neuroplasticity, which can help enhance your brain’s adaptability and cognitive abilities:
Play Video Games:
Contrary to common belief, playing video games (for restricted and disciplined time) can have cognitive benefits.
Video games improve:
Motor coordination
Visual recognition and spatial navigation
Memory and reaction time
Reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Resilience and cooperation
Different game types offer varying benefits, such as adventure games, puzzle games, and rhythm gaming.
Learn a New Language:
Studying another language challenges your brain.
Learning new vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation strengthens neural connections.
Bilingualism has been associated with cognitive advantages, including better memory and attention.
Engage in Novel Activities:
Try new experiences to stimulate different brain regions.
Novelty encourages the brain to create new pathways.
Activities like painting, cooking, or learning a musical instrument can promote neuroplasticity.
Regular Physical Exercise:
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients.
Aerobic exercises, strength training, and even yoga positively impact neuroplasticity.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Prioritise Adequate Sleep:
Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and brain repair.
During deep sleep, the brain processes information and strengthens neural connections.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Challenge Your Brain:
Engage in mentally stimulating activities regularly.
Solve puzzles, read, learn a musical instrument, or practice mindfulness.
Novelty and complexity encourage neuroplastic changes.
Remember that small lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your brain’s plasticity.
Choose activities that you enjoy and incorporate them into your daily routine! 🌟🧠
I intend you have enjoyed the GROWTH mindset process. I always put a lot into all I share with you as I really do want to support you all in supporting me to create a better (and kinder) world, one brain at a time.
If you've learned the wrong things by association or developed skills, talents, abilities, behaviours, motivations, and a mindset that no longer serves you, it may be time to reinvent yourself and transform into a completely different person