This document discusses neuroplasticity and how the brain can change throughout life in response to experience and learning. It summarizes several sources that describe how new brain cells continue to form, emotional circuitry matures, and both brain hemispheres are used more equally in older adults. The document also discusses how neuroplasticity can be applied to conditions like depression and OCD. It provides a 4-step process for intentional change and encourages the reader to choose an area to address and take a first step towards change.

1. “Hey, Look What I Found”
EARL MCGOVERN
EARL5160@MSN.COM
WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/EARLMCGOVERN

3. What’s possible in life
is whatever you believe
is possible.
Create more possibilities for change in any area of life.
Learn how to use a simple and powerful change process.
Take the first step.

4. Fixed Brain vs.
NEUROPLASTICITY
Source: The Mature Mind, Gene D. Cohen, M.D., PhD.
Fixed Brain Facts: Neuroplasticity and the Brain:
 The brain cannot grow new brain cells.  The brain is continually resculpting itself
 Older adults can’t learn as well as in response to experience and learning.
young people.  New brain cells do form throughout life.
 Connections between neurons are  The brain’s emotional circuitry matures
relatively fixed throughout life. and becomes more balanced with age.
 Intelligence is a matter of how many  The brain’s two hemispheres are more
neurons you have and how fast those equally used by older adults.
neurons work.

5. Clinical Applications
Source: The Mind & The Brain, Jeffrey M.
Schwartz, M.D., and Sharon Begley
Neuroplasticity presents surprising applications for :
 Depression
 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
 Stroke Impairments

6. Limiting Beliefs vs.
INTENTION and ATTENTION
Limiting Beliefs lead to feeling: Intention and Attention generate:
 Powerless  Personal Power
 Overwhelmed and Stressed  Ease and Confidence
 Frustrated  Enthusiasm
 Out of Options or Possibilities  New Insights and Ideas

7. Despair and Resignation
vs. HOPE and POSITIVITY
Source: Positivity, Barbara L. Fredrickson
Despair and Resignation lead to: Hope and Positivity create:
 Isolation  Innovative and expansive ideas
 Victim Mentality and solutions
 All-encompassing  Inspiration to consider the
interests of others as well as
 Distrust
your own
 Apathy
 Insight that allows us to see the
 Low Energy value of our efforts
 Positive connections and
respect that build relationships

8. Brain Pioneers
Books:
 Positivity, Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph.D., 2009
 Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain, Sharon Begley, 2007
 The Mature Mind, Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., 2005
 The Mind & The Brain, Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D., and Sharon Begley,
2002
 The Biology of Belief, Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D., 2008

9. Transformative Change
Websites:
 TED http://www.ted.com/
 Noetic Sciences http://noetic.org
Video Links:
Michael Merzenich on re-wiring the brain
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/michael_merzenich_on_the_elastic_brain.html
Stroke of Insight: Jill Bolte Taylor
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html

10. Change Process
Transformative change involves:
1. Choosing to believe that there is hope.
2. Being willing to try something new.
3. Being aware and decide to act with intention.
4. Taking the first step.

11. Change Activity
Instructions:
1. Identify a “soft spot” in your life. Focus on an area that’s challenging or an
area you ignore but would like to address if you thought you could change it.
2. Determine one limiting belief you have about this area of your life.
3. Identify the level of conviction you have about this limiting belief.
Rate it from 0-100%
4. Restructure the limiting belief to a belief that aligns better with the
intention. Assign your level of conviction about this new belief.
5. Identify one step you’re willing to take to create more conviction.

12. Summary
Becoming adept at transformative change gifts you:
 Confidence
 Playfulness
 Freedom
 Adaptability