How Can You Make Yourself Limitless With Neuroplasticity
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
Written by Sharee Shefket, Mindset Results Coach
Sharee is a highly experienced counsellor, hypnotherapist, and international best-selling author with over 20 years of experience working in mental health. She is also a results life coach, registered BWRT and Psych-K Practitioner, business owner, and Entrepreneur.
In an age when we are inundated with information, overloaded daily with everything from data to sensory information, it simply has to be said that the idea that our brains are capable of change, that they are plastic, just has to be one of the most fascinating things to come out in our century. The idea of neuroplasticity, a concept that is increasingly talked about, is that our brains can make new neural connections until the day we die, a long way from the limited scope of what we are taught at school.
Understanding neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is a term that refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself in response to experience, learning, and environmental factors. This can be demonstrated through cellular changes. Our thoughts don’t adhere to one pattern, after all; the brain is plastic, flexible, and can respond to our thoughts, behaviour, and our interactions with others.
It used to be thought that there was no further brain development after early adulthood, and no potential over the longer term for change; an analogy was “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But science has shown that our brains remain plastic throughout all our years. There are powerful implications for education, rehabilitation, mental health, and personal growth. The scientific word for this is neuroplasticity, which is quite similar to the growth mindset, a mental approach developed by a scientist named Carol Dweck. This mindset is captured by the belief that skills and smarts can be cultivated with passion, learning, and perseverance. A growth mindset is open to new experiences, trial and error, learning, and growth patterns, which increases neuroplasticity. When we treat failure as a possible learning opportunity instead of a setback, we start the process of reshaping our brains toward more effective problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence. And we use neuroplasticity daily; we know that the single most effective way to boost neuroplasticity is just to be learning all the time and pushing new information and new skills into your brain. Yes, the adage “if you don’t use it, you lose it” applies to the brain as well as to the body, along with physical wear and tear. You could pick up a new hobby, learn a language, or take a course on something you’re interested in. The more you exercise your brain, the more connections you make. Repetition is also key for the deepening of neural pathways by a process known as myelination, much like insulation, that speeds the transmission of information.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
Activities like meditation that require mindfulness have been shown to enhance neuroplasticity. These types of practices can help reduce stress, improve attention, and support emotional regulation. Meditation has also been found to lead to structural changes in the brain in areas that are associated with attention, emotion, and self-awareness.
Get moving
Physical activity is good for the brain and also for the body. When you’re exercising, aim to incorporate a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility.
Challenge the brain
Puzzles, games like chess, and learning to play an instrument force thoughts. It’s a fun little mind game to do this in combination with everyday tasks, such as brushing your teeth using your non-dominant hand if you are trying to activate the entire brain, for example. Such activities engage your brain, helping you make new brain pathways.
Foster relationships
Social ties are powerfully related to the health of your brain. The paradox is that if you hang around open-minded, engaged types, it feels good and stimulates neuroplasticity.
Goals and reflection
When we plan and set goals, our mind has something specific to focus on. Even an improvement is something you can build on that aligns with what you’re working for, or a course correction if necessary. Writing down your feelings can create a deeper level of understanding of yourself. Joseph Burgo, who has argued that, in therapy, “the more a patient reveals and experiences a feeling in the safety of the therapy session, the less the patient feels and is consumed by the feeling ‘out there.’" Other therapists say that writing primes your brain for growth and change. Neuroplasticity has led to a revolution in physical therapy for stroke survivors, people with brain injuries, and mental illness. This appreciation has led to methods of treatment that take advantage of neuroplasticity and ultimately result in significant functional and life-quality recovery. The better we understand the brain, the better we are able to hack our thoughts and behavior, and by doing so, hack ourselves.
Neuroplasticity means we don't have to be so set in our limitations or rigid in our habits that we stop adapting, growing, and learning as we age. Neuroplasticity is not just an intriguing theory; it is an amazing asset to personal growth and lifelong study. Knowing that our brains have the potential to change in an instant, we are released from the stories of what used to be and other people’s long-gone thoughts to invite new experiences of a brain that is seeking more. There are habits in which we can engage that can become routines in our everyday lives, things like exploring new interests, meditating, getting active, and engaging with others, which are presented to us as resources for a better life, but that are really pathways to becoming who we essentially are.
We can rewire our thoughts and actions and in turn, our lives. This process of transformation and metamorphosis is essential to our intellectual development and personal success in a world that is ever-changing. Soak up the power of your brilliant brain, and always remember, the only limits are the ones we set for our minds. Let that growth capacity of yours guide your curiosity as you keep venturing out into wisdom, resilience, and joy. If you’d like to find out how you can move forward and feel free, find a mindset coach who specializes in techniques like BWRT and Psych-K, as they can totally supercharge your results."
Read more from Sharee Shefket
Sharee Shefket, Mindset Results Coach
Sharee is a remarkable leader in the mental health field, boasting over 20 years of extensive experience as a counsellor, hypnotherapist, successful entrepreneur, international best-selling author. She is not just a professional; she’s a catalyst for change, dedicated to helping individuals discover their purpose and live their most fulfilling lives.
