Habits

Habits

The neural pathways discussed earlier in the tour, create patterns of thought. Once these pathways are created, the thoughts are likely to be repeated. This is because, the repetition of a thought decreases the biochemical resistance to that thought happening again and the connections between two brain cells on the neural pathway become stronger. Imagine that you are taking a walk through a dense forest. The first time you go through the forest, there is much resistance to your passage through so you have to use your machete to fight your way through.

However, the second time you walk through, it won’t be as hard because you already started creating a pathway through the jungle on your first walk. Now, every time you walk through, you make the pathway larger and so there is less and less resistance to your walk. Eventually, the pathway will become a track, , then a small road and ultimately a large road!

Habitual Thinking

It’s the same with your brain. Every time you think a thought, the resistance is reduced therefore increasing the likelihood of you having that thought again. This is how habits are formed. And it is why it is vitally important that you monitor your thinking. If you think negatively, you will build a strong connection of negative thoughts so you will be more likely to keep repeating those negative thoughts. Try to ensure that you are creating positive thoughts and good habits.

It also explains why learning something new or breaking a habit can be difficult at first. The key is to stick at it and it will become easier. It’s often not enough to simply stop doing a certain habit. You must replace it with a new habit and focus on creating this new good habit as your new way of thinking.

I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour through your amazing brain.