Guest author: Liggy Webb
We are living in exciting and pioneering times and as we find ourselves living in the fourth industrial revolution, we are also experiencing a neurological revolution.
Neuroscientists have identified through extensive research that there is a fundamental shift in the way we think, learn, work and relax. Modern technology is altering human physiology. It can make us think and feel differently and it is affecting our attention span, memory and sleep cycle. This can have a big impact on our overall wellbeing, so we need to take control and prime our minds to keep up so that we stay relevant and on the ball. This is also key to succeeding in the 21st century workplace.
So here are four useful tips to help cultivate a modern mindset so that we can be for the future and ready for anything:
1. Change your everyday routine
A simple way to start building our cognitive flexibility is to do everyday things differently. Even making the smallest of changes, like sitting at a new spot at the dinner table or using a different hand to brush our teeth, can help us to build and strengthen new neural pathways. Being consciously aware of our routine and mindfully observing what we do habitually is a good place to start and can be very enlightening.
2.Actively seek out new experiences
The brain creates new synaptic connections each time we do something different or learn something new. Fresh and interesting experiences have also been shown to trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is commonly associated with the brain’s pleasure and reward system. This feel-good chemical also enhances memory and our ability to learn. So being curious and open to new learning and adventures can help us to feel energised and happy.
3.Avoid taking the easiest option
Technology and a variety of apps can make our lives much easier and more convenient in lots of ways and this is essentially what they are designed to do. This can also make us lazy. Taking the easiest option is not always the best thing for our cognitive flexibility and function. Setting ourselves challenges can keep our minds sharp and encourage us to constantly learn through our everyday experiences.
4.Adopt a growth mindset
If you haven’t yet read the book Mindset – The New Psychology of Success by Professor of Psychology at Stanford University Carol Dweck, I strongly recommend that you do. Through decades of research on achievement and success, she has pioneered the term growth mindset.
The growth mindset is symbolised by the everyday learner who focuses on improving how they do things. With a growth mindset, we understand that our talents and abilities can be developed through learning, effort, and persistence.
Long live lifelong learning …
Author
Liggy is an award-winning and best-selling author, presenter, and international consultant and will be presenting a free seminar at the World of Learning Exhibition:
Fit for the future – How to be ready for anything
13:45 Tuesday 10th October