What does Robert Frost's poem have to do with Hebb's rule and classical conditioning? Funny you should ask. Let me explain... Habits, good and bad, can be thought of as classically conditioned responses to stimuli. What does that mean? It means that when you smell food, your brain is triggered to find and eat the … Continue reading Two paths diverged: How we break habits
Category: Thoughts on Change
Some Things Never Change
It's interesting to reflect on where we've been as we look forward to where we may be going. When I started this blog I thought I could write about topics that would help others overcome barriers and get out of their own way. I suppose that goal was achieved, but not for others, not in … Continue reading Some Things Never Change
Speaking My Truth
Ryran keeps telling me that I have to write a book to explain what has changed in me over the past year. He talks to other political figures and business leaders who complain about going to functions alone because their spouses are very uncomfortable in social situations. I get it. People who are naturally social … Continue reading Speaking My Truth
Intentions for 2018
What are your intentions for this year? New year, new you? Good luck with that. My intentions are a little closer to where I am right now. New year, same me, different focus. I've learned that it is much easier to make incremental changes than it is to attempt an entire re-creation of myself. Maybe you're … Continue reading Intentions for 2018
There’s a Reason Why Basics are Basics
Have you ever wondered why we are seeing this "back to basics" movement in areas like education, healthcare, and nutrition? Do we really want to go back to basics? In order to go back to basics, we have to accept that the whole system is integrated. We can no longer work on isolated parts of … Continue reading There’s a Reason Why Basics are Basics
Stop Pushing the Same Rock Up the Same Hill
Do you ever find yourself feeling frustrated when you really want to feel fulfilled and happy? A few years ago, I was very frustrated with my job. I felt like I was close to getting burned out. I know all the signs, but that doesn't mean that I'm immune to feeling easily fatigued, being short … Continue reading Stop Pushing the Same Rock Up the Same Hill
Ignorance Is Bliss, … Until It Isn’t
Do you remember the last time you tried to learn something new? Chances are you went through a typical process: you realized that what you were doing wasn't working and you needed to do something different, you struggled for a while, and then finally it all came together. The realization that you got it, that … Continue reading Ignorance Is Bliss, … Until It Isn’t
Confirmation Bias: The Power of Our Beliefs
Why take the time to figure out what we believe? Whether we are aware of them or not, our beliefs about a specific area can greatly impact the assumptions that support those beliefs and the values we hold that are based on those beliefs. Our beliefs guide our thoughts and behaviors. We tend to look for or create situations that … Continue reading Confirmation Bias: The Power of Our Beliefs
Backward Logic: Why who you are matters
The caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland asks Alice a very important question, "Who are you?" Alice can't answer him. She doesn't know who she is. Alice has experienced so many changes that she is no longer sure of anything. I've asked people this same question. Their answers reveal a lot about what is important and what fuels … Continue reading Backward Logic: Why who you are matters
When you assume, you make…
When you assume, you make... We all know how that statement usually ends, but do you know why assumptions are so important to our daily lives? The assumptions we hold about ourselves, others, and the world can make or break our efforts to live an authentic life and be the best version of ourselves that … Continue reading When you assume, you make…