Recruiter 🎯I help organizations RECRUIT, HIRE & RETAIN their MOST VALUABLE PEOPLE 🌟 I recruit across multiple industries for companies at all stages of growth 🚀 Let’s work together!
Daily Knowledge Series - Neuroscience
What is the "Anterior Midcingulate Cortex?"
Back to the treasure chest of Dr. Andrew Huberman's knowledge. On a recent podcast with David Goggins - they discuss this region of the brain that controls persistence and willpower.
This is especially important to be aware of in older adults, whose cognitive capacity starts to slow with age. Or people who become too "routine focused."
Scientists have discovered a hallmark sign of growth in this area is when the brain is able to overcome aversive tasks. AKA, things that we REALLY don't want to do, but do them anyways.
Think of it like "positive punishment."
Can you think of a time when you were unhappy about forcing yourself to do something you didn't want to do and then at the end of it, you were pleasantly satisfied?
That is the source of developing willpower.
#neuroscience#personaldevelopment#willpower#behavioralscience#cognitivescience#cognitivebehavioraltherapy#discipline#resilience#focus#mindfulness#dailyinsights#dailyknowledge
Unlocking the Secrets of Willpower: The Anterior Cingulate Cortex
In the realm of neuroscience, the discovery and understanding of brain structures open up fascinating insights into human behavior and potential. One such structure, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), stands out for its intriguing role in our lives, especially in the context of willpower and the determination to live.
The ACC, a central figure in the neuroscience narrative, has been shown to play a pivotal role when we engage in activities that push our limits—those that we might not necessarily want to do. Research in humans (not just animal studies) reveals that when individuals exert themselves in tasks they'd rather avoid, like intensive exercise or dieting, the ACC not only becomes more active but also increases in size. This phenomenon suggests a direct link between our brain's physical condition and our mental resilience.
What's particularly captivating about the ACC is its size variation among different individuals. For instance, it tends to be smaller in obese individuals but enlarges with dieting. Athletes boast a larger ACC, which further expands as they view themselves overcoming challenges. This trend is also observed in individuals who live a long and healthy life, maintaining the size of their ACC over the years.
The growing body of evidence leads scientists to regard the ACC not just as a component of willpower but possibly the very seat of our will to live. This revelation is monumental, indicating that the ACC's development is crucial for fostering inner strength and perseverance.
Building the ACC is akin to exercising a muscle; it requires consistent effort in facing challenges, especially those we are least inclined to tackle. The cold plunge you dread or the extra mile you push yourself to run when every fiber of your being resists contributes to the growth of your ACC. Yet, this growth is not permanent; it demands continual effort in engaging with tasks that challenge us, reinforcing the idea that willpower and resilience are capacities we can develop over time.
This understanding shatters the myth of inborn mental toughness, presenting a dynamic perspective on developing willpower. It's not about what challenges you face but how you choose to engage with them. The ACC's adaptability offers hope and empowerment to anyone looking to enhance their mental resilience and willpower.
As we navigate through life's trials and tribulations, the ACC serves as a beacon, reminding us of the incredible adaptability and potential for growth that lies within our brains. It underscores the importance of persistently challenging ourselves, stepping out of our comfort zones, and embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth.
To explore more about the anterior cingulate cortex and its pivotal role in shaping our will to live and push beyond our limits, watch this enlightening video from David Goggins & Dr. Andrew Huberman https://lnkd.in/dW5rzzcV
Things you hate doing but do them anyway increase your will to live.
Neuroscience is amazing and such great discoveries are flowing in, it is hard to keep up. It is great to listen to guys like this who can convert the findings to something practical.
Go hit the gym. Pick up the phone and call your prospect. Say no to a beer with your friends. Take the cold shower in the morning you hate so much. Face the snake you are afraid of at the local zoo to lower your anxiety (this one is inspired by my lovely wife actually...).
All the things that we are afraid of, produce discomfort or we just hate doing, build our will to live and increase our psychological resilience if we do them anyway.
At Braintrust, we believe responsible risk taking is the path to growth. Learn more about the ways our coaches can help your company grow at braintrustacademy.com!
[ communication, neuroscience, Braintrust ]
