We are what we think: How to rewire the brain, change our future

India Today

4 days ago

Our lives are greatly attached to our thoughts. In many cases, our experiences, reactions and choices may not be determined by what is happening exteriorly but what we tell ourselves. Luckily, neuroplasticity of the brain—its capacity to restructure itself by creating new cell connections—provides us the ability to alter these stories. Anurag Rishi, holistic wellness coach and founder of Anurag Wellness Movement, shares five ways to rewire thinking and encourage personal development:Challenge limiting beliefs: Most of us have deep-seated notions that limit us. For instance, 'I am not good enough' or 'I always fail' or 'I do not deserve success'. Once we become aware of these limiting beliefs, the next step is to question them. We can start changing our mental paradigm by questioning their validity and substituting them with some empowering alternatives. As an example, changing 'I cannot deal with challenges' to 'I am learning to deal with challenges resiliently' creates room to grow.advertisementPractise mindful awareness: Mindfulness allows us to view our thoughts in a non-judgmental way. By being mindful of the habits that play in the background of our minds, we can intercept before the old/unhelpful reactions occur. Mindfulness through breathing, keeping a journal or reflecting on the day are simple practices that can keep us out of the negative loop and into making a conscious decision rather than an automated reaction.Adopt a growth mindset: Growth mindset, a term created by American psychologist Carol Dweck, promotes the view that abilities can be improved through hard work and education. The process of rewiring starts as soon as we change—say, for instance, 'I cannot do this' to 'I cannot do this yet'. This change encourages curiosity, grit and the willingness to self-improvement.
Visualise the positive: Daydreaming is not the same as visualisation because the latter is a focused method of teaching the brain to be successful. When we continuously visualise ourselves completing a difficult task or managing stress in a beautiful way or accomplishing our dreams, we condition the brain to attract and identify opportunities that are in line with these images.Surround yourself with positive influences: The surroundings have a great impact on how we think. Positive thinking can be strengthened by spending time with inspiring, challenging and supporting people. Books, podcasts and growth-fostering conversations serve as a constant reminder of the mindset we are trying to develop.Rewiring our thought patterns is neither instant nor effortless, but with consistent practice, the transformation can be profound. Personal growth begins with the decision to think differently—and that decision lies within all of us.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends