Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset

Discuss how understanding the principles of neuroplasticity benefits people

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt. Or, as Dr. Campbell puts it: “It refers to the physiological changes in the brain that happen as the result of our interactions with our environment. From the time the brain begins to develop in utero until the day we die, the connections among the cells in our brains reorganize in response to our changing needs. This dynamic process allows us to learn from and adapt to different experiences” – Celeste Campbell (n.d.).

This benefits us as we can it means you can learn an old dog new tricks, because our brain is constantly changing depending on external stimuli. When we learn something new our brain creates new connections and as such the brain is constantly growing and evolving.

Discuss how might engage with the principals of neuroplasticity for your own benefit

As neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to create new pathways as we learn we can keep our brain evolving by keeping up our learning. We can keep the brain active and growing by pushing ourselves every day. Learning new abilities such as a new instrument or language are the best at creating new pathways.

What are some of the ways to increase your neuroplasticity

Get enough sleep – we need to ensure that we get enough sleep so that the brain can efficiently reset and create new connections.
Keep learning – Learning a new skill such as a new instrument or a new language is an optimal way to create new connections.
Physical exercise – Physical exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise, increases the blood flow to the brain and in turn the amount of oxygen the brain receives. This helps the brain grow.
Reduce stress – Stress kills neuroplasticity and therefore should be avoided.
Find a strong purpose – you are more likely to create new connections if you are excited and motivated about what you are learning as this will make you more alert.

Discuss what the Growth Mindset is and why it is relevant

Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts)

In this exploration, did anything surprise you? Change for you?

I was surprised by the fact that the brain physically changes as a part of neuroplasticity. The fact that thinking has a physical impact on our body is extraordinary. Also, I found that growth mindset and neuroplasticity linked together very closely.

How will you integrate growth mindset into your learning journey?

I am very interested in what I am learning and therefore have strong purpose to learn these new skills, this will make me more alert and therefore increase the effectiveness of neuroplasticity. Whenever I am struggling with something, I can tell myself that even though I may not know this yet, with neuroplasticity and a growth mindset I can learn to understand it.

Link to a resource that you found particularly useful or engaging.

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/how-to-improve-your-neuroplasticity/
https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/
https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/mindsets.html
https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/