You become what you think about, literally.
Earl Nightingale in his 1956 recording The Strangest Secret made the famous statement “You become what you think about.” A concept alluded to by many historical figures as they shared their knowledge with the world. Earl was able to synthesize a lifetime of trial and error into one clear cut statement. You become what you think about.
On the surface this statement makes some sense. If you’re constantly worrying about money, then you will become someone who worries about money. If you’re always on the lookout for new opportunities, you will become accustomed to spotting opportunities wherever you look. While outside forces may affect us at times, our thoughts determine how we react to a given situation. How we act and react are shaped by our thoughts so it makes sense that our thoughts would somehow determine who we are.
Recent science has solidified this idea.
The concept of neuroplasticity, the changing of the brain over a lifetime, is a newer addition to neuroscience. It is only recently that scientists have begun to understand that the brain is capable of growth throughout all stages of life. Where we once thought brain power came in fixed amounts, we now know that change and growth can and does occur throughout life.
Scientists have measured physical changes in the brain due to growth and rewiring.
Meditation has been shown to increase white matter. Five days of practicing a new skill has increased size of the specific areas of the brain related to the task. Three months of practice has shown to create long lasting changes. And lack of practice of a new skill, for even a few days, has been shown to lead to a decrease in size of the specific area related to the task. When learning a new skill or habit the phrase “if you don’t use it you lose it” fits well.
When we engage in an activity, our brain is making the necessary connections to compete the activity. As we use and reuse these connections, our brains are prompted to increase the signal strength of the connections. Over time the channels between neurons become wider and in turn the signalling becomes stronger.
This strengthening of signals makes once challenging tasks into second nature.
Remember when you first learned to drive a car and tried parallel parking? How about your current ability to hold a conversation, drink coffee, and switch lanes on the freeway? Constant use of the neuro pathways related to driving have made the task feel like second nature. So much that we can complete other tasks while handling the first.
This strengthening of signals applies to everything we do. Whether its our morning routine, playing a musical instrument, or how often we smile when greeting a new face. The more we do something, the stronger the signals become.
The physical structure of our mind changes in order to facilitate stronger signals.
This means that when we are engaged in an activity, or thoughts regarding an activity, our minds are rewiring and restructuring themselves. Our thoughts change our mind, physically. Richard O’Connor’s book Rewire goes deeper into this topic, with the resounding theme that we can learn to facilitate positive change within our own minds.
Our brain is in a constant state of learning, so every action we take is creating an effect on the structure of our minds. It is the restructuring of the brain that allows for the attainment of new skills, cultivation of happiness levels, management of stress, and the forming of habits. Being mindful of this constant change allows us to harness our ability to change ourselves for the better.
