How the Brain Cultivates Habits

Our brains are wired for perpetual evolution and change.

Image from and by Freepik  

Ever wonder how new habits are formed? Or why changing them is so frustrating? Embark on a journey into the fascinating realm of change and neuroplasticity—where the brain's incredible ability to learn and adapt takes center stage.

Neurotransmitters weave intricate paths in our brains, forming highways of habit. The more frequently we traverse these paths, the wider and deeper the highways become. When we decide to change a habit, we're essentially forging new neuro pathways. Which is not a one-shot process; it's a symphony of repeated actions that gradually paves, deepens, and widens the path.

As we develop and consistently use new habits, our brains undergo a remarkable transformation—it prunes away the old pathways, making room for the intentional new ones. Our brains are wired for perpetual evolution and change; it's an innate part of our existence. Practice and setbacks are not signs of failure but rather proof that we are actively living and engaging with the process of change. Every effort contributes to the intricate dance of neuroplasticity, sculpting a brain that thrives on growth.

Imagine construction season, where old roads are torn up and replaced with new material, possibly wider and deeper paths in an effort to delay the impact of mother nature’s effects. It’s an entire season of sitting in traffic – at times you see the work being done, other times you’re wondering what we’re waiting for. Patience. The new road will be paved, it’ll be smooth and it’ll become natural to drive the road again.

Coaches play a pivotal role in this transformation, empowering clients to envision their desired future state, both physically and emotionally, fostering detailed imagery that serves as a starting point for change and a motivational anchor. Coaches also foster accountability, encouraging clients to explore their behavior and change from different angles, thereby igniting momentum towards their goals. Lastly, coaches promote positive self-talk to help cultivate an upward spiral, particularly when faced with roadblocks.

Embrace the creating new habits, knowing that your brain is designed to evolve and adapt. Practice is the active road construction, setbacks are experienced when there seems to be no work happening. But give it time, we’re undoing habits that have been created over years, possibly decades. All of it is necessary – the construction and setbacks, all of it natural, all of it contributing to your ever-evolving brain.

Released April 2024