Summary: <br> Brains were born to change, grow, and evolve. In fact, your brain can serve you in more ways than you could ever imagine if you take it to the brain gym.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <a href="https://www.jeffsanders.com/083-the-fascinating-power-of-anchor-habits-podcast/">← Previous Episode</a><br> <a href="https://www.jeffsanders.com/getting-in-the-zone-7-proven-strategies/">Next Episode →</a><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <a title="How to Build a Better Brain" href="how-to-build-a-better-brain/" target="_blank"></a>Photo Credit: ajeofj3 via <a style="color: #808080;" href="http://compfight.com" target='“_blank"Compfight/a'>cc</a><br> The phrase “use it or lose it” certainly applies to the world of neuroplasticity — a big word that simply means your brain can and does change. For many years brain researchers believed the brain was static, meaning that after a certain growth period the brain would simply stop developing or adapting in a significant way.<br> Turns out, that was far from the truth.<br> Your brain is constantly flexing its muscles, molding itself, and responding to new and challenging stimuli just like your biceps do during exercise.<br> Now, I'm not a scientist, so I'm not going to dive into too much research or the biomechanics of brain development. For now, I'll focus on what you can do today to begin building a better brain, which can lead to dramatic improvements in your creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.<br> Your Smarter, Sharper, and Sexier Brain<br> A better brain may be your ticket to massive goal achievement, especially as you get older.<br> In Dr. John Ratey's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316113514/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316113514&linkCode=as2&tag=gradandclue-20&linkId=52HC6CXMKMVUBNSZ" title="Spark by Dr. John Ratey" target="_blank">Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain</a>, he tells a story about Sister Bernadette, a nun from Notre Dame who spent many years late in life building her brain.<br> Sister Bernadette constantly challenged her mind. She completed puzzles, studied new vocabulary, debated complex issues, and, essentially, exercised her mind like a muscle.<br> Along with over 600 other nuns, Sister Bernadette joined ongoing research about aging and the brain. At the age of 85 she passed away from a heart attack and her brain was donated to the study. An autopsy revealed that her brain had been severely damaged by Alzheimer's disease.<br> <br> “She should have been lost to the ravages of dementia. Yet despite the damage in her brain, she remained mentally sharp.”<br> <br> Sister Bernadette is a shining example of how you can literally defy your genetics, overcome disease, and remain mentally brilliant throughout your entire life. <br> Just like an old nun, you too can have a smarter, sharper, and (dare I say) sexier brain, despite your age, intelligence, or busy schedule.<br> How to Build a Better Brain<br> Just like going to the gym for physical exercise, building a better brain for mental strength and flexibility isn't necessarily hard, you just have to do the work.<br> I began intentionally building my brain three years ago when I started a simply daily practice inspired by the late <a href="https://www.jeffsanders.com/strangest-secret/" title="The Strangest Secret" target="_blank">Earl Nightingale</a> (one of the founders of the personal development industry).<br> Earl recommended that I start thinking on purpose. He challenged me to spend time every day flexing my mental muscles in an attempt to solve a pressing problem in my life.<br> Here's how the practice plays out:<br> <br> * Set aside 30 minutes of uninterrupted time where you can be alone.<br> <br>
