If you think leading others is a challenge, try leading your brain! Most leaders don’t give a second thought to why leading their brains is so important. Therefore, they let it run in any direction it wants. You would not be that careless with the people you lead. Why then would you let your own brain run wildly free?
Why it’s important to lead your brain
In July of 2012 Dr. Charlotte Tomaino, a clinical neuropsychologist with 30 years of experience, was interviewed by CNN. She gives some good reasons for leading your brain.
- The brain is always changing. The billions of neurons and the trillions of connections between them in each of our brains keep changing with every experience, even when we sleep. We are in a state of constant change that can happen by choice or will happen by chance.
We are evolving in every moment with the chemistry of each sound, sight, thought and emotion that passes through the brain. It’s in your best interest to use your options for brain change by making choices to focus it in healthy, growth-producing ways. - You have the power to influence your brain. “Neurons that fire together, wire together,” says Canadian Psychologist Donald Hebb. This is the neuroscience version of “practice makes perfect.”
Anything you do repetitively will activate the neurons in your brain, which makes the action more likely to be repeated in the future. Neuroplasticity, the adaptability of the brain, is operating at all times. You can have neuroplasticity working for you if you target your outcome, or it can work against you if you allow yourself to just react. - The brain is trained by your choices. If you are not careful, habits that control you can start subtly, sneaking up until they take over. The first drink to relieve stress can lead to a need for two drinks to be able to relax. The brain is trained by your choices, and automatic behavior is developed or changed by the neurochoices you make.
On the positive side, engaging in new behaviors to enhance your health, like regular exercise, will lead to overall improvement of your health. Once you start an exercise program, you will notice that after a while, you just feel better on a regular basis and feel worse when you miss a day. Just getting into the habit of regular exercise is an example of a neurochoice that will improve your health and quality of life.
An example of how to lead your brain when under stress
You can manage your brain in times of stress. There are three easy steps to keep your balance and stay in touch with your best self to achieve your best outcome. This is leadership at it’s best!
1. Shift your focus
As tension mounts and you notice a problem looming large in your mind, shift your focus from a reactive position about the conflict to a focus on the solution. If you tend to think worst case scenarios, stop assuming the worst and start practicing solution focus.
Ask a question like: How would you like this to work out? The brain loves a question and will search for the answer if you provide the focus. All thoughts produced will then follow a different path if you are seeking an answer to your question.
2. Breathe, breathe, breathe
As you breathe deeply in and out, at a consistent slower pace, you will notice your heart rate slowing, regulated to a calmer and more even state. As the heart automatically speeds up under stress, it affects the nervous system and hyperfocuses you on reacting to the problem rather than thinking through the solution. When the heart is calmer it will signal your brain to stop reacting and as a result, oxitoxin will be produced, which is the chemical that brings clarity of mind and helps your reasoning.
3. Make a conscious choice.
Relax your muscles, which spontaneously tense up in the face of conflict or danger. In the "fight or flight response," your body is ready to keep you safe. Yet, most of the events you face can be better resolved from a more relaxed state. There is greater creativity and more access to your intelligence when you are at ease.
Remember. . .
You are the leader of your brain and your life. The more aware you are of the outcomes you are creating, the more you can achieve the life and success you want. Stay smart in life and business by leading your own brain.
I can help you plan and achieve the growth your deserve. Working with me you will find your best path for development and change. To find out more, simply click here.
Photo by: garryknight