Understanding Neuroplasticity
As people settle into adulthood, many believe that their abilities are set in stone. Neuroplasticity challenges this idea – our brains can change and adapt at any age. Just as highways are a way for cars to travel long distances more quickly, pathways in the brain allow signals to move from one part to another more quickly. These networks of linked neurons (brain cells) are built through learning and experience. When we learn something new or practice a skill, our brain builds stronger connections within these pathways, which can help to speed up the signals. By reinforcing these neural pathways by repeatedly using them (through practice), the skill or knowledge becomes easier to access. If you don’t use one of these pathways, it can weaken or disappear. This is often expressed as the phrase “use it or lose it.” The adaptability of our neural networks shows our ability to learn throughout life, to acquire new habits or drop old ones, to recover from brain disease or injury and to adapt to new environmental and circumstantial demands.
The Concept of Growth Mindset
Dr. Carol S. Dweck coined the term growth mindset, which fits well with neuroplasticity. A growth mindset sees challenges as chances to learn, whereas a fixed mindset views them as obstacles that can never be overcome. Failure is not considered a defeat but a necessary part of progress. This concept can be applied to several areas of life, and can be a tool to improve mental health.
Using Neuroplasticity and a Growth Mindset (a few examples):
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- Practice Mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings to adjust your mindset.
- See Challenges as Opportunities: Perception is powerful. Depending on this situation, view obstacles as chances to learn, turning setbacks into growth moments.
- Learn from Failures: Recognize mistakes as learning moments.
- Embrace the Power of ‘Yet’: Haven’t succeeded? It’s possible that you just haven’t mastered it yet.
- Focus on the Process: Value effort and persistence over the final result.
Real-Life Application: Jordan’s Story
Adopting these approaches lets us utilize neuroplasticity for ongoing personal and professional growth. The following is an example of a situation that has been changed to protect confidentiality: After moving to a new city for his job, Jordan found himself feeling isolated. Initially he was excited about his new job, but after he settled in, he found himself spending evenings and weekends alone. He attempted to socialize, but felt awkward and started questioning his ability to form friendships. It didn’t come so easy as when he was in college and surrounded by others his age.
Realizing his isolation was affecting his mood and productivity, Jordan sought counseling. We uncovered that his fear of rejection was a major barrier to him being able to make connections.Jordan set a goal to attend one social event related to his interests each week, without focusing too much on the outcome. He joined a local photography club and signed up for group hikes through a community app. At first, conversations were brief and interactions felt forced, but Jordan kept at it – focusing on listening and asking questions based on shared interests.
He also volunteered for projects that required teamwork, using these as opportunities to practice and improve his social skills. Over time, these interactions became more natural. Jordan found himself looking forward to meetings and outings, and invitations from others started trickling in. Months later, Jordan not only felt more connected in his new city but had also built a small network of friends. This experience highlights the power of a growth mindset and how it can be adapted to different situations. Personal connections, like professional skills, can be developed with effort and persistence.
Incorporating Growth Mindset and Neuroplasticity through Counseling
In closing, the concept of growth mindset helps look at challenges as catalysts for change. Our brains have the capacity for transformation. Psychotherapy/counseling is one way to learn how to incorporate a growth mindset into everyday life. If you are interested in working with me, please consider registering for a free consultation (click the button below). I provide counseling tele-therapy sessions in Michigan and am also available to meet in-person for counseling sessions around the Metro Detroit area, specifically Farmington Hills, Michigan . You can also learn more by checking out the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (not an affiliate link).
Take care,
Zeina Ghoul, PhD, LPC