How can you prove change IS possible when you don’t believe in yourself?
When I first embarked on my mental health and mindset journey, I began reading all of the self development books, listened to all of the mindset podcasts, tried all of habit-building techniques, and so much more - to begin creating a life that I loved and reaching bigger goals.
But time and time again, I found myself running into an invisible brick wall.
I discovered none of this worked yet because I was missing the most important ingredient to my success: a belief in myself, that change is possible.
Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to believe in myself. I even thought I believed in myself. That’s why I was doing the work, but something still wasn’t clicking and I kept failing, like clockwork.
If you’re resonating with this, there is likely a crucial step or two that you’re missing on this journey to change and success: and that is what we’re going over today. This is one of the ways you can get unstuck from this cycle of try-and-try-and-try-again.
Today we’re going to prove why change is actually possible for you.
START HERE:
One of the biggest reasons we know change is possible is because of neuroplasticity in our brain. Research has proven that the brain continues to change and develop throughout our entire lives — this means that no matter what age you are, you can rewire your brain.
Because everyone’s brain is capable of positive change (yes, including yours), this means that you are able to develop new habits, behaviors, and even completely new ways of thinking that can empower you and allow you to step into your confidence: the belief in yourself that you can change.
WHAT ALLOWS OUR BRAINS TO CHANGE AND GROW?
The term neuroplasticity comes from the word "neuron," which are the nerve cells in our brain, and "plastic," referring to its ability to be moldable and adaptable. This is our brain's ability to change and grow throughout our lives and with different experiences. This amazing process can happen at the tiniest, molecular level, as well as in the larger networks and systems that make up the cool and complex structure of our brain!
HOW YOUR BRAIN CHANGES FROM A MOLECULAR LEVEL
At the tiniest, molecular level, neuroplasticity involves changes in the chemical and structural components of the neurons. Neurons are the nerve cells that make up the brain, and they communicate with each other through connections called synapses.
These connections are facilitated by chemical substances called neurotransmitters. When we learn or experience something new, the strength of the communication between neurons can change, and the levels of neurotransmitters can be altered.
These microscopic changes are a fundamental part of neuroplasticity, as this is the beginning of the process to gaining confidence.
LET’S APPLY THIS MOLECULAR CHANGE TO YOU:
One real-life example of an action that can lead to these smaller, molecular changes in the brain is when you exercise. When you workout, your body releases various chemicals, including a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a crucial role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons.
BDNF promotes the formation of new synapses (communication that drives these changes), strengthens existing connections, and supports the birth of new neurons involved in learning and memory.
These increased levels of BDNF during and after exercise can enhance neuroplasticity and lead to very definite changes within your brain, from a molecular level - and that’s just one example!
HOW YOUR BRAIN CHANGES ON A LARGER LEVEL
In addition to these small-scale molecular changes, neuroplasticity also takes place at the larger scale within the brain, involving entire networks and systems of neurons.
These networks work together to process and integrate information. So as we learn and adapt to new experiences, the patterns of connections between neurons within these networks begin to change. This involves creating new connections, strengthening existing ones, and getting rid of connections that are no longer needed. As these networks adapt and reorganize themselves in response to new experiences and challenges, our cognitive abilities can also change and improve.
LET’S APPLY THIS LARGER-SCALE CHANGE TO YOU:
A real-life example of an action that can lead to changes in the brain on a larger scale is learning to play a musical instrument. As you practice and acquire new musical skills, your brain undergoes structural and functional changes within the larger networks responsible for important cognitive functions. Learning to play a musical instrument actually improves your memory, auditory processing skills, focus and attention, and motor skills. That’s a lot to cover, so today we’ll just share one of the points on how practicing the guitar changes your brain structure to improve your motor skills.
When learning to play a musical instrument, you begin to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This happens through the activation and strengthening of connections between neurons in the motor cortex, which is the region of the brain responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. As you become more proficient in playing the instrument, your brain regions associated with motor control become more efficient, and the corresponding neural pathways become stronger.
The best way you can interpret this is that if you’re actively practicing, you’re getting better, even when you’re failing and even when you can’t see it yet. The key, though, is actively practicing. It must be mindful and intentional practice.
YOU *CAN* TEACH AN OLD DOG A NEW TRICK
This belief that you’re unable to change may largely stem from personal experiences and traumas, but much of it also comes from the societal-spread idea that our brain stops developing at a certain age. This is a now-disproven belief, but it has been carried throughout the years and has held many people back from trying new things or even working towards their dreams, still to this day.
When beliefs are instilled so deeply into a society, it can be hard to break. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you learn more and begin to build confidence in your ability to change, grow, and conquer your bigger goals.
The cool thing about neuroplasticity is that it goes completely against that long-held belief that our brain's structure is set in stone after a certain age. Our brain is a dynamic, ever-changing and ever-growing organ with an incredible capacity to adapt and remodel itself in response to all types of experiences, adventures, challenges, and changes in our lives.
PEOPLE ARE CHANGING THEIR LIVES EVERYDAY + ITS HAPPENING ALL AROUND YOU
Now that you know a little bit more about why you’re capable of change, let’s share some really cool and inspiring stories of people who have changed their lives through this exact process, even with odds against them.
These stories are meant to inspire and encourage you that you’re absolutely no different than this.
Jim Carrey: Growing up in poverty, our beloved comedian and actor Jim Carrey had lived in a van (not in the trendy way) and worked as a janitor to support his family. He used humor as a coping mechanism and eventually found success in entertainment. His perseverance and ability to adapt his mindset exemplify the power of neuroplasticity in achieving personal and professional growth.
Stephen Hawking: This incredible human was diagnosed with ALS at 21 years old and was only given a few years to live. Despite his physical limitations with ALS, he continued to work and contribute to the field of theoretical physics for more than five decades. His determination and ability to overcome his very large obstacles make him a prime example of the power of neuroplasticity. (author side note: Stephen Hawking was someone who helped me on my mental health journey with his discussions on life, our capabilities, and the beauty of existence - I highly recommend checking out some of those videos on YouTube.)
Nick Vujicic: He was born without arms and legs due to a rare disorder called tetra-amelia syndrome. Because of this, he of course faced numerous challenges throughout his life. Despite this, he emphasized and prioritized a positive mindset and created impactful changes in his life. Today, Nick is a motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur, inspiring millions worldwide to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
FINAL NOTES
So to your question, “is change actually possible for me?”: the answer is an undeniable yes. Your thoughts have an incredible amount of power and you can re-route them, if you’d like to. Now this is just step one to getting there. Step two and part two will be shared here next week!
This knowledge can actually be the first step someone needs to beginning their journey to making change with more ease. Reading this and reminding yourself of this can also additionally provide hope and encouragement when you’re facing challenges or setbacks.
Stay tuned for part two, and until then, check out our shop to help support individuals on their mental health journey!
