“Intelligence is the ability to change.” These profound words, often attributed to Einstein, resonate deeply with our desire for personal growth and transformation. As a Master Coach of Neurolinguistic Programming and a Practitioner of Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry, I am constantly fascinated by the incredible capacity of the human mind to adapt and evolve.
We all have areas in our lives that we long to change, whether it’s breaking free from old habits, reshaping our attitude towards ourselves and the world, or simply improving our health and fitness. Yet, making lasting change can feel like an uphill battle, leaving us stuck in a never-ending cycle of new beginnings and failures. But fear not, there is a remarkable phenomenon that holds the key to unlocking our true potential – Neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity is a relatively new field of study that reveals the brain’s astonishing ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections.
It is through this intricate process that our brains adapt and change in response to experiences, learning, and the environment. Gone are the days when we believed the brain was fixed and unchangeable. Neuroplasticity unveils a world of endless possibilities, where our minds can undergo remarkable transformation.
In our early years, adaptation occurs effortlessly as we absorb and adjust to our surroundings. However, as we grow older, it may require a bit of brain archaeology to break free from ingrained patterns. You see, the primary function of the human organism is survival. The brain and body strive to maintain familiarity and thus perceived safety. When we deviate from familiar patterns it can feel threatening. But fear not, dear reader, because Neuroplasticity gives us the tools to override the old software and download new, upgraded versions in alignment with our true desires.
You might need to explore neuroplasticity if you’re noticing these three things:
1. Repetition.
The first sign that you might be stuck is when you find yourself repeating the same actions, thoughts, or behaviours over and over again, you want to change but it feels like being trapped in a never-ending loop.
2. Lack of Progress.
Another sign of being stuck is a lack of progress or growth in particular areas of your life. You may have set goals or aspirations, but find yourself consistently falling short or unable to make any significant progress. This can be frustrating and demotivating, reinforcing the feeling that change is impossible.
3. Resistance to change.
You might be feeling resistance, reluctance or even fear trying new things, exploring different perspectives, or stepping out of your comfort zone. This is a strong signal that you’re stuck. We know the mind and body naturally gravitate towards what is familiar and safe, making it challenging to embrace change and break free from old patterns of thinking and behaving.
These three signs can help you recognise when you’re stuck in a pattern and provide the starting point for transformation and personal growth, because awareness is the first step towards lasting change.
In a nutshell, we have the power to make lasting change, but it takes commitment and effort to bring it to fruition.
