an exploration of how we can better understand the amazing malleability of our brains.
Neuroplasticity is the idea that neural connections are strengthened in our brain when we use them more. If we use the connections less, then they will weaken. This applies no matter how old or young we are. This is a powerful idea because it allows us to understand that we can learn new skills, habits and behaviours, if we put our mind to it.
By understanding this principle, people open themselves to growth. By understanding that our skills and attributes are not set in stone, we are free to learn. We can let go of limiting beliefs that tell us that we just can’t do certain things.
Neuroplasticity can be increased by practice, by making new skills or information contextually relevant, and by adopting a growth mindset, rather than holding a fixed idea of our capabilities.
For me, understanding neuroplasticity is helpful, because the focus turns toward the process of change, rather than being a concrete way. Large abstract ways to be can be broken down into small increments. Practising coding or typing or being with others in particular ways over time will lead to being a better or faster programmer, or being a more loving, fulfilled and empathetic person.
For more of a deep dive into the science and function of neuroplasticity, check out Very Well’s excellent article at this link: What is neuroplasticity?
Growth mindset is the concept that our skills, knowledge and abilities are dynamic and malleable. Challenges are embraced as opportunities to learn, rather than insurmountable hurdles.
I have been thinking and adopting the growth mindset recently since being introduced to this content in the preparation curriculum for DevAcademy. Despite being aware of the ability to learn and grow for a long time, and of conceptually knowing the value of practice, I have struggled to really embody the change that I want to see in myself. However, learning about growth mindset has hit the spot. I no longer feel trapped within my current set of skills and abilities - rather, I am learning to see them as an ever adapting jetty from which to throw new nets into the unknown, fishing out pieces of driftwood from the water with which to build the jetty further.
Incorporating the growth mindset into my learning journey, for me, means practising seeing challenges as opportunities, reaching out for help, breaking large abstract ideas down into small challenges, and understanding my skills and dynamic and fluid.
Very Well seems to be delivering all the solid infos, so if you want more juicy goodness on growth mindset, check out this link: What is a mindset?
I see incorporating a growth mindset into my life as essential both within and outside of DevAcademy. As someone who struggles with perfectionism, it is easy to see things as very black and white - something is good enough or it isn’t, either I’m smart or I’m not etc.. While I have always rationally held a growth mindset, my subconscious has been stuck in a fixed mindset which does not serve me well. I am looking forward to shifting away from seeing challenges as threatening to seeing them as opportunities for growth, and am excited to see where this will take me.