When was the last time you learned something new? Or began learning a new language? What about the last time you decided to pick-up a new skill? Recent research has been emphasizing the importance of learning new things and keeping your brain active. Neuroplasticity “refers to the physiological changes in the brain that happen as the result of our interactions with our environment. From the time the brain begins to develop in utero until the day we die, the connections among the cells in our brains reorganize in response to our changing needs. This dynamic process allows us to learn from and adapt to different experiences” (Campbell, 2009). Some research suggests that continuing to learn new things and have new experiences throughout your life, can help resilience in the brain. In addition to learning new things, aerobic exercise can assist in increasing neural resiliency. Aerobic exercise can increase the release of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which has been attributed to synaptic growth and therefore resilience.
Understanding the brain and how it functions is just one aspect of the process of learning new skills. It can help us better understand why we think the way we do. Ericsson and Pool (2016) have been exploring the concept of “mastering your craft” for over three decades. Their general consensus is that anyone can learn anything, as long as they learn the right way. Ericsson and Pool (2016) say that in order to successfully pursue a new skill, one must first set appropriate learning goals. This means thinking and clarifying your learning plan before getting started. They detail two different types of practice: naïve and purposeful. Naïve practice is jumping into something and learning as you go, whereas purposeful practice sets clear and measurable goals. Setting these measurable goals, or SMART goals, can help you actually gauge your progress. Some other aspects of purposeful practice include taking “baby steps”, getting feedback, figuring out motivation, stepping outside your comfort zone, finding and maintaining motivation and staying focused. If you want to learn more, check out Ericsson and Pool’s book Peak: Secret From the New Science of Expertise.
If you can’t figure it out on your own, there are professionals (like us) to help guide you. You are still strong and valuable if you ask for help.
References:
Campbell, C. (2009). What is neuroplasticity? BrainLine. Retrieved from
https://www.brainline.org/author/celeste-campbell/qa/what-neuroplasticity
Ericsson A., Pool R. (2016) Peak: Secret from the new science of expertise. An Eamon Dolan Book: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Heshmat, S. (2019, December 26). 9 Key Principles of Learning a New Skill. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201912/9-key-principles-learning-new-skill