Neuroscience Confirms: You Can Rewire Your Brain for a Growth Mindset

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to form new neural connections throughout life, making it possible to rewire your brain for success.

Success is often viewed as a distant summit, reachable only by a select few. Many people believe their abilities and intelligence are set in stone. However, recent advancements in neuroscience about neuroplasticity confirms that anyone can change their brain to pave the way for success.

Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Remarkable Adaptability

Neuroplasticity, often referred to as the brain's plasticity or flexibility, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Contrary to the previously held belief that the brain's structure and function were fixed in adulthood, neuroplasticity reveals that the brain remains adaptable and open to change.

Your brain is like a chunk of Play-Doh that you can mold and reshape throughout your life. Every experience, every thought, every new skill you learn—these things all trigger changes in your brain's structure and function. From the tiniest neurons to entire brain regions, your noggin is always on the move.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward, plays a significant role in the growth mindset. When you set ambitious goals, work diligently towards them, and ultimately achieve them, your brain releases dopamine. This reinforces the idea that effort and persistence lead to success, motivating you to persevere.

How Can You Rewire Your Brain for Success?

1. Mindset Matters

"Growth Mindset," was popularized over thirty years ago by Carol Dweck in her studies about students' beliefs in their ability to succeed. It refers to the belief that your abilities and intelligence are not fixed traits, but can be developed and improved through hard work and dedication. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes that your abilities are innate and unchangeable, often leading to avoidance of challenges and a fear of failure. When you embrace a growth mindset, your brain begins to form new pathways that lead to resilience, perseverance, and a positive outlook on challenges.

2. Learning Rewires the Brain

When you engage in learning activities, your brain creates new neural connections and strengthens existing ones. This process enhances cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and adaptability—qualities crucial for success in all areas of life. A growth mindset thrives on the acquisition of knowledge and the belief that improvement is always possible.

3. Embrace Challenges

People with a growth mindset welcome challenges with open arms. They understand that facing difficulties head-on is a chance to learn and develop new skills. Whether it's a challenging project at work or a personal goal, view it as an opportunity for growth.

4. Persistence and Resilience Pay Off

Adopting a growth mindset means you're more likely to persevere when faced with obstacles. Instead of giving up when things get tough, remember that setbacks and failures are part of the journey to success. Know that effort and determination are the keys to improvement. The brain's adaptability allows it to rewire in response to adversity, making you more resilient and better equipped to navigate obstacles.

5. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Monitor your inner dialogue and challenge self-limiting beliefs. Replace statements like "I can't do this" with "I can't do this yet." By adding "yet," you acknowledge that your abilities can grow over time with effort and dedication. The whole "positive self-talk" thing isn't just self-help jargon. Practicing positive affirmations can actually reshape your brain's neural networks.

6. Visualizing Success

Visualization techniques can have a significant impact on brain rewiring. When you vividly imagine yourself achieving your goals, your brain treats it as a real experience, strengthening the neural pathways associated with your aspirations. For more on the power of visualization, read: Is Visualizing a Bogus Practice? Check the Science

7. Set SMART Goals
Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Then break those goals down into manageable steps. Celebrate each step along the way, reinforcing your belief in your ability to progress. For more guidance on setting SMART Goals, check out our blog, Setting the Stage for Success: The Power of SMART Goals

8. Inspire and Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded Individuals
Connect with people who share your passion for growth and improvement. Engaging in discussions, sharing experiences, and supporting one another can significantly reinforce your growth mindset.

Your brain is a superhero, capable of epic transformations. Success isn't a far-off land; it's a journey. Embracing a growth mindset means you will continue to learn, stay resilient, visualize your success, shower yourself with positive affirmations, have clear goals and surround yourself with the people who support your dreams. Your brain's incredible adaptability is your ticket to rewriting your story and unlocking your potential for success.

Want Support From a Community of Growth-Minded Individuals?

The Investors Network Community (INC) Mastermind Program is a great community of investors who meets consistently in small groups of 5-7 members. You will implement the crucial steps of not only creating a growth mindset, but having your own "Board of Directors" to help you see things through. Members support one another’s dreams and plans, brainstorm new ideas, share resources and most importantly, provide accountability so you stay on track.

Being a member of this tight-knit group is a great way to make informed decisions. The brain sparks fly when you have a “third mind” (Mastermind) that forms when everyone comes together to explore ideas.

If you would like to learn more about the INC Mastermind Program, feel free to contact Katy who can answer your questions so you can see if it's a good fit for you.

A Mastermind group is one of the most valuable additions for your toolbox to help you achieve the life of your dreams.

Katy Fleming, Director can be reached by email at success@fleming2u.com.