Podcasts > Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan > Confidence Classic: Rewire Your Brain to UNLOCK The Science Of Success with John Assaraf CEO Of NeuroGym

Confidence Classic: Rewire Your Brain to UNLOCK The Science Of Success with John Assaraf CEO Of NeuroGym

By Heather Monahan

This episode of the Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan podcast explores neuroscience principles to rewire the brain for success. John Assaraf explains the roles of the brain's "Einstein" and "Frankenstein's Monster" parts - one envisioning positive future outcomes, the other triggering stress responses. He discusses how our subconscious patterns drive automatic thoughts and behaviors, yet can be reshaped through understanding triggers and deliberately practicing small positive changes.

Assaraf provides practical techniques like controlled breathing exercises to induce relaxation and manage anxiety. The conversation also covers developing empowering habits by identifying rewards that reinforce desired behaviors and tapping into emotional motivation through visualization exercises. Listeners will gain insights into consciously building habits and mindsets to overcome self-limiting patterns.

Confidence Classic: Rewire Your Brain to UNLOCK The Science Of Success with John Assaraf CEO Of NeuroGym

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Confidence Classic: Rewire Your Brain to UNLOCK The Science Of Success with John Assaraf CEO Of NeuroGym

1-Page Summary

The Science of the Brain and Subconscious Mind

John Assaraf explains the brain has an "Einstein" part for imagining a positive future and a "Frankenstein's Monster" part that triggers stress responses. Our subconscious mind drives automatic thoughts, negative or positive. Neuroplasticity allows rewiring neural pathways to develop empowering habits and mindsets.

Subconscious Patterns Automatic, But Can be Transformed

Assaraf states our brains rapidly recall negative experiences. Replacing each negative thought with three positive ones improves our mindset. Actors demonstrate how emotions can be flipped on demand to gain control over negative patterns.

Small Changes Strengthen Brain's "Neuromuscles"

Assaraf likens beliefs, habits, self-image, and self-worth to "neuromuscles" that can be developed. Making small, gradual changes in thinking and behavior builds these "neuromuscles." Dedicated practices like self-talk and emotional awareness reinforce positive thought patterns.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

"Frankenstein's Monster" Triggers Stress as Protection

The "Frankenstein's Monster" brain part is an early warning system to protect from harm, Assaraf explains. However, focusing on negative possibilities causes present stress and anxiety.

Breathing Technique Induces Relaxation

Assaraf introduces "take six, calm the circuit" breathing technique: six slow breaths through nose. This calms the stress response by allowing the "Einstein brain" to re-engage. Mindfully observing thoughts prevents negative patterns.

Developing Empowering Habits

Identify Triggers and Rewards for New Habits

Assaraf states habits have triggers and rewards reinforcing them. Recognizing triggers allows inserting new behaviors to form new habits, like placing water by the coffee maker.

Visualize and Emotionally Connect with Outcomes

Visualizing goals activates brain's reward centers, enhancing motivation, Assaraf notes. Start small, like one healthier meal daily, and emotionally connect with achieving results to build empowering patterns.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The metaphor of the brain having an "Einstein" and "Frankenstein's Monster" part may oversimplify the complex operations of the brain and how different regions interact.
  • While neuroplasticity is a well-established concept, the extent and ease with which individuals can rewire their neural pathways can vary greatly and may not be as straightforward as suggested.
  • The idea that replacing each negative thought with three positive ones will improve mindset is a simplification and may not address underlying issues that contribute to negative thinking.
  • The effectiveness of actors demonstrating emotional control may not translate directly to non-actors, as actors are trained professionals in controlling and expressing emotions.
  • The concept of "neuromuscles" is a metaphor and not a direct representation of how neural pathways and psychological constructs like self-image or self-worth work.
  • The "take six, calm the circuit" breathing technique may be beneficial, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not work for everyone or in every situation.
  • The assertion that mindfully observing thoughts prevents negative patterns may not account for individuals with certain mental health conditions for whom mindfulness alone may not be sufficient.
  • The idea that recognizing triggers allows for the insertion of new behaviors to form new habits may not consider the complexity of habit formation and the potential influence of environmental and psychological factors.
  • Visualizing goals as a means to enhance motivation may not be effective for everyone, as different people may have different learning and motivational styles.
  • The recommendation to start small and emotionally connect with achieving results may not take into account the potential for emotional disconnect or other barriers that could impede habit formation or goal achievement.

Actionables

  • You can create a "positivity playlist" with songs that evoke strong positive emotions and listen to it whenever you catch yourself in a negative thought spiral. Music has the power to alter moods quickly, so by associating certain tracks with positive feelings, you can counteract negative thoughts and reinforce positive neural pathways.
  • Develop a "habit interruption card" to carry in your wallet with a simple, positive action written on it to perform when you recognize a habit trigger. This could be as simple as doing ten jumping jacks or taking three deep breaths. The physical card serves as a tangible reminder to shift your behavior and helps in forming new, empowering habits.
  • Use a "goal visualization board" where you pin images representing your goals and the positive emotions associated with achieving them. Place it somewhere you'll see it daily, like on your fridge or beside your computer. This constant visual cue can help activate your brain's reward centers and keep you emotionally connected to your goals, enhancing motivation and reinforcing the desired mindset.

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Confidence Classic: Rewire Your Brain to UNLOCK The Science Of Success with John Assaraf CEO Of NeuroGym

The Science of the Brain and Subconscious Mind

John Assaraf delves into the fascinating realm of the human brain and the subconscious mind, explaining how they shape our existence through neural circuits, subconscious patterns, and the potential for transformation through neuroplasticity.

Brain Comprises Neural Circuits Influencing Thoughts, Emotions, Behaviors

"Einstein" Brain Imagines a Positive Future, "Frankenstein's Monster" Triggers Stress Responses

Assaraf describes the brain as having two metaphorical parts: the "Einstein" part that is capable of imagining a positive future, and the "Frankenstein's Monster," an early warning detection system that triggers stress responses. The "Frankenstein" component is located in the right prefrontal cortex and amygdala and activates during situations that may involve danger or negative social outcomes like embarrassment, rejection, or disappointment.

Subconscious Mind Drives Automatic Thoughts and Actions Based On Past Patterns

Transform Negative Thoughts Into Positive Ones

Assaraf, with a long history in studying the conscious and subconscious mind, explains that thoughts bubble up from our subconscious mind as either negative (red bubbles) or positive (blue bubbles). Our brains tend to recall negative or traumatic experiences more rapidly than positive ones. By recognizing negative thoughts and intentionally focusing on positive ones, we can shift our perspective. Assaraf advises that for every negative thought, replacing it with three positive thoughts can significantly improve our positive to negative thought ratio, reducing the frequency of automatic negative thoughts.

In managing emotions, Assaraf suggests that we can flip our emotions on demand, similar to how an actor changes emotions for a scene, allowing us to gain control over habitual negative emotional patterns.

Neuroplasticity Rewires Neural Pathways to Develop Empowering Habits and Mindsets

Practice Small Changes to Build "Neuromuscles" in Beliefs, Habits, and Self-Image

Assaraf highlights the brain's ability to rewire itself - neuroplasticity - and how it can be utilized to upgrade our mental "software." He likens beliefs, habits, self-image, and self-worth to "neuromuscles" that can be developed and strengthened through methods s ...

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The Science of the Brain and Subconscious Mind

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "Frankenstein's Monster" metaphor in the context of the brain represents a component that acts as an early warning system, triggering stress responses in situations that may involve danger or negative social outcomes. It is associated with the right prefrontal cortex and amygdala, playing a role in alerting the individual to potential threats or adverse circumstances. This metaphorical concept highlights the brain's ability to react to perceived risks and activate stress responses as a protective mechanism. By understanding this metaphor, one can grasp how different parts of the brain function in response to various stimuli, emphasizing the importance of managing stress and negative emotions for overall well-being.
  • The subconscious mind influences our automatic thoughts and actions based on past experiences and learned patterns stored in our minds. These patterns can shape how we perceive and react to situations without conscious awareness. By recognizing and reshaping these patterns, we can change our automatic responses and create more positive outcomes in our lives.
  • Neuromuscles in beliefs, habits, and self-image are a metaphorical concept used to describe the brain's ability to strengthen and develop these mental aspects through repeated practice and reinforcement. Just like physical muscles grow stronger with exercise, the brain can create stronger neural pathways associated with beliefs, habits, and self-image through consistent mental effort. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that mental attributes can be trained and improved over time, similar to how physical muscles can be strengthened through regular workouts. By engaging in activities that challenge and reshape these mental patterns, individuals can effectively enhance their cognitive and emotional well-being.
  • Innercizes are specialized mental exercises designed to strengthen positive thought patterns and attitudes. These practices involve targeted activities that aim to rewire the brain's neural pathways for im ...

Counterarguments

  • The metaphor of the "Einstein" and "Frankenstein's Monster" brain oversimplifies the complex nature of the brain's functions and may not accurately represent the intricate processes involved in thought and emotion regulation.
  • The idea that the "Frankenstein" component is specifically located in the right prefrontal cortex and amygdala is an oversimplification, as stress responses involve a broader network of brain regions and are not limited to these areas alone.
  • The concept of transforming negative thoughts into positive ones by a 3-to-1 ratio is not universally supported by scientific evidence and may not be effective for everyone, as individual experiences with thought patterns and mental health issues vary greatly.
  • The suggestion that emotions can be flipped on demand like an actor may not acknowledge the depth and complexity of emotional experiences for many individuals, and could be seen as an oversimplification of emotional regulation.
  • While neuroplasticity is a well-established concept, the extent to which individuals can rewire their neural pathways and the effectiveness of "innercizes" or experiential events for this purpose may vary and is not guaranteed.
  • The comparison of beliefs, habits, self-image, and self-worth to "neuromuscles" is a metaphor that may not fully capture the comple ...

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Confidence Classic: Rewire Your Brain to UNLOCK The Science Of Success with John Assaraf CEO Of NeuroGym

Techniques For Managing Stress and Anxiety

John Assaraf and Heather Monahan discuss how to manage stress and anxiety by understanding the brain's stress responses and applying breathing techniques to shift to a state of relaxation.

Stress and Anxiety: Subconscious Mind's Early Warning System

Reactions Protect Us but Can Become Problematic if Unmanaged

Assaraf explains that the part of our brain, which he refers to as "Frankenstein's Monster," triggers stress responses and acts as an early warning detection mechanism. He emphasizes that these signals aim to protect us from emotional, mental, physical, or financial harm, much like the automatic protective response of jumping back onto the sidewalk when a car is heard, demonstrating the evolutionary purpose behind stress. However, Assaraf warns that focusing on negative possibilities and staying in a future-oriented mindset can cause present stress and anxiety.

Slow Breathing Shifts Focus From "Fight or Flight" To a Relaxed State

Mindfully Observing Thoughts and Emotions Can Prevent Negative Patterns

Assaraf suggests that stress responses, while initially protective, can become problematic if they turn into automatic subconscious processes and create a loop of negative emotional patterns. To interrupt these patterns, he introduces the "take six, calm the circuit" breathing technique. This involves taking six slow, deep breaths through the nose, filling the diaphragm and lungs, and then exhaling slowly through the lips as if blowing through a straw. Assaraf explains that this technique helps calm the sympathetic nervous system by redirecting bl ...

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Techniques For Managing Stress and Anxiety

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Counterarguments

  • While understanding the brain's stress responses can be helpful, it is not the only approach to managing stress and anxiety; other factors such as lifestyle, environment, and personal relationships also play significant roles.
  • Stress responses are not always accurate indicators of real harm and can sometimes be triggered by perceived threats that are not actually dangerous.
  • Some individuals may find that focusing on future possibilities, even if they are negative, can be motivating rather than solely stress-inducing.
  • Slow breathing techniques are beneficial for many, but they may not work for everyone; some individuals might find other methods such as physical exercise, therapy, or medication more effective for managing stress and anxiety.
  • Mindfulness and observation of thoughts and emotions can be challenging for some people, and without proper guidance, individuals may struggle to implement these strategies effectively.
  • The "take six, calm the circuit" breathing technique is one of many breathing exercises, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution; ...

Actionables

  • Create a stress-response journal to track triggers and reactions, helping you identify patterns and develop personalized coping strategies. Start by noting down situations that cause stress, your immediate thoughts, physical sensations, and how you reacted. Over time, you'll be able to spot trends and prepare more effective responses, such as planning breaks before stressful meetings or having a list of affirmations to counteract negative thoughts.
  • Develop a "mindfulness anchor" activity that you can perform during moments of calm to establish a habit that can be easily recalled during stress. This could be a simple action like touching a specific texture, smelling a particular scent, or looking at an image that evokes calmness. By repeatedly associating this activity with relaxation, you can invoke a sense of calm more quickly when stressed.
  • Integrate "micro-mindfu ...

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Confidence Classic: Rewire Your Brain to UNLOCK The Science Of Success with John Assaraf CEO Of NeuroGym

Strategies For Developing Empowering Habits and Mindsets

John Assaraf delves into the process of habit formation and how to create empowering habits and mindsets for positive change.

Habits Are Neural Pathways Reshaped Through Effort

Assaraf points out that discipline itself is a habit, and we can make changes easier by developing new habits.

Identify Triggers and Rewards to Insert New Habits

Every habit has a trigger and a reward that reinforces the behavior. Assaraf emphasizes that to change a habit, one must first be aware of what triggers the behavior, as most behavior is automatic and habitual. By recognizing the triggers, one can insert new behaviors to form new habits. He suggests tactics such as placing a glass of water near the coffee maker to ensure drinking water before coffee or placing running shoes in a usual spot to encourage exercise. Stopping adverse habits, like eating sugar, can also be achieved through a replacement strategy—swapping out sugary foods for those high in protein and fiber with stevia, for example, which satisfies the same craving.

Visualizing and Emotionally Connecting With Outcomes Can Activate Brain Reward Centers and Motivate Us

By taking small actions, such as stretching for a minute daily or choosing a healthier meal once a day, and visualizing making healthier decisions, neural pathways begin to form around these empowering habits. Assaraf suggests starting with simple, easily achievable habits to ensure consistency and to avoid overwhelming the brain, which builds empowering patterns over time. He also notes that setting goals activates the brai ...

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Strategies For Developing Empowering Habits and Mindsets

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While discipline can be developed as a habit, it's important to acknowledge that individual differences in temperament and life circumstances can make this process more challenging for some people than others.
  • The concept of triggers and rewards is a simplification of the complex psychological and environmental factors that influence habits, and not all habits may follow this clear-cut pattern.
  • The effectiveness of strategic placement of items (like a glass of water or running shoes) to form new habits may not work for everyone, as it assumes a one-size-fits-all solution to habit formation.
  • Replacement strategies for stopping adverse habits may not address the underlying emotional or psychological reasons for those habits, potentially leading to the development of other negative behaviors.
  • Visualizing and emotionally connecting with outcomes may not be sufficient for everyone to activate brain reward centers, especially for individuals with certain mental health conditions that affect motivation and reward processing.
  • The recommendation to start with simple habits to ensure consistency might overlook the need for more significant and challenging changes that some individuals may need to make for their health or well-being.
  • The idea that setting goals always enhances motivation doesn't account ...

Actionables

  • You can create a habit roadmap by drawing a flowchart that outlines your daily routines, identifying potential habit insertion points. For example, if you want to drink more water, you might notice you always have a coffee after lunch, which could be a cue to also fill up a water bottle.
  • Develop a "habit swap" list by writing down undesirable habits and brainstorming healthier alternatives that fulfill the same need or trigger. If stress leads you to snack on junk food, your list might suggest doing a quick set of stretches or breathing exercises instead when you feel the urge to snack.
  • Use a "habit tracker" app that isn't just about tickin ...

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