I created a video presentation of this article to share the information with individuals who learn through watching and listening. To watch and listen to the video presentation of the article, click on this link: Nine Habits to Benefit from Using Neuroplasticity Video Presentation
Below are 9 habits that have benefited me in the creation of new neural pathways and brain re-organization. Habits that have helped me to create hope in my life through repetitive mirrored movements. Habits that have improved my well-being and quality of life by applying the principle of neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity — MedicineNet.com
“Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment. Brain reorganization takes place by mechanisms such as “axonal sprouting” in which undamaged axons grow new nerve endings to reconnect neurons whose links were injured or severed. Undamaged axons can also sprout nerve endings and connect with other undamaged nerve cells, forming new neural pathways to accomplish a needed function.”
To illustrates these habits I have included a definition, my perspective, a quote and a link to an article to further share my perspective.
Hard work or Work-ethic (Industrious)
“working energetically and devotedly; hard-working; diligent:” Dictionary.com
Hard work for me means being diligent, to accomplish a task or a goal that is set before me; with focus. Hard work involves sticking with a project or a goal by continuing to do the footwork to achieve the desired outcome. For me, hard work does not mean running a sprint but involves running a marathon; which requires consistent and ongoing effort.
“Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.” Gordon B. Hinckley
article link:
A Word of Encouragement – Keep Swinging at the Fences
Commitment
“a willingness to give your time and energy to something that you believe in, or a promise or firm decision to do something” Cambridge Dictionaries online
For me commitment involves loyalty, first to myself; to stick with a goal, regardless… Commitment communicates to me to remain undeterred from what I set out to accomplish. Although the way that I set out to accomplish some thing may change, my commitment teaches me that I can find a way that will work for me to be able to accomplish my goal.
“Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along which comes the inner voice which says, ‘This is the real me’ and when you have found that attitude, follow it.” James Trusdale Adams
Article link:
When Circumstances Change Our Plans
Determination
“is a positive emotion that involves persevering towards a difficult goal in spite of obstacles.[1][2] Determination occurs prior to goal attainment and serves to motivate behavior that will help achieve one’s goal.” Wikipedia
Determination helps me to focus on what I want to accomplish, in spite of obstacles and setbacks. Obstacles become a sign on the road that helps me to realize that adjustments need to be made to accomplish my desired goal (s). Determination teaches me to not give up in spite of apparent obstacles and setbacks because I know that more will be revealed in time.
“I will prepare and someday my chance will come.” Abraham Lincoln
Article link:
Experiencing Adversity, Failures, Setbacks and Not Giving Up!
Drive or Motivation
“There are three major components to motivation: activation, persistence, and intensity. Activation involves the decision to initiate a behavior… Persistence is the continued effort toward a goal even though obstacles may exist… Finally, intensity can be seen in the concentration and vigor that goes into pursuing a goal.” About Education — What is Motivation
Motivation can either be external or internal. Being externally driven will only last until the threat is removed. Being internally motivated or driven, on the other hand; is sustainable because of the individual’s internal desire to achieve the skill, skill set or goal. Drive encourages me to stick with the process and keep learning from my circumstances, my experiences and my opportunities.
“If you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams and endeavor to live the life that you imagined, you will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau
Article link:
Don’t Give Up — Your Life Matters!
Discipline
“training to act in accordance with rules; drill, activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill, the rigor or training effect of experience, adversity” Dictionary.com
For me, discipline means that I keep working on my craft, tweaking and taking away; adding and making the decision to follow through to condition myself to achieving an end. Discipline means that I do not give up on the process as I keep my eye on the goal. Whatever the goal may be at the time. Discipline involves progress, not perfection.
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” Jim Rohn
article link
Neuroplasticity, Small Successes, and Learning / Relearning Skill Sets
Fortitude
“Fortitude meaning courage or bravery is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation.” Wikipedia
For me fortitude means that I commit to pursuing my dreams and my destiny, my vision and mission in the face of being minimized, marginalized, dismissed and discounted. Fortitude means that I remain true to myself, regardless of whether anyone else “gets it” or understand me. Fortitude means that I stay committed to my goals, whatever they may be at the time. To thine own self be true.
“Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.” Francis Bacon
article link
Having the Courage to be Me
Persistence
“the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people” Merriam-Webster
For me, persistence is the decision to get up more times than I fall down. Persistence for me means that I don’t give up regardless…Giving up simply is not an option. Persistence means believing in myself.
“Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work though difficult problems.” Gever Tulley
article link
Answering the Call that Never Came
Tenacity
“an unwillingness to yield or give up, being dogged, stubbornly, persevering and steadfast” Wiktionary
Tenacity keeps me moving toward what I want to accomplish in my life. Tenacity means that I keep looking for ways to win in life. Tenacity means that I do give myself no for an answer. Tenacity means that I trust the process, a loving God and myself. Tenacity means that I keep moving forward.
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Albert Einstein
article link
Detailed About Page
Courage
“The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.” The Free Dictionary
Courage to me means I stay committed to the process, the footwork and the journey. Courage helps me to remember that I do not have to do things perfectly. Courage reminds me that I can pursue excellence, instead of perfection. Courage reminds me that with all learning, there is a learning curve. Courage reminds me to stay committed to my mission and vision. Courage gives me hope.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Steve Jobs
article link
More than a Survivor
Bonus Quotes
“Insist on yourself, never imitate. Your own gift you can present with the cumulative force of a whole life’s cultivation, but of the adopted talent of another, you only have an extemporaneous half-possession. Do that which is assigned to you and you can not hope too much or dare too much.” Henry David Thoreau
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure, it is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We were all meant to shine as children do. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone. And as we let our own light to shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same, as we are liberated from our own fear. Our presence automatically liberates others. Sir, I just want to say thank you. You saved my life.” From the movie, Coach Carter. Quote attributed to Marianne Williamson
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” Rob Siltanen
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