The Neuroscience Principle That Will Move You Forward
BEST SELLERS
PMA
3/16/20262 min read
Have you ever searched like crazy for your keys at home, feeling desperate, only to have someone point out they were right in front of you the whole time?
How is it possible that you couldn’t see them right in front of you?
Today, I want to share some reflections about the human brain and challenge your belief system.
Two years ago, I was reading a fantastic book, "You, Happier" by Daniel Amen, “The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good.”
I recognized myself in a type of brain and learned new activities and whole foods that nurture my brain (and make me happier). However, my most valuable insight came from the 7th secret: “Live each day based on your clearly defined values, purpose, and goals.”
Do you want to know what it was? Here it is:
"In three decades of work with patients, I have found that:
When you tell your brain what you want, your brain will help you make it happen. This is the single phrase I highlighted in the book and I keep coming back to it and rereading it every time.
You may ask me, “How is that connected to your advancement in your career or life? And what about the story of the keys?”
It will make sense soon, I promise!
When you believe you lost your keys so strongly, it can happen that you don’t see them anymore, even though they are right in front of you.
In a similar way, when you repeat to yourself, “That’s impossible, there’s no way I can achieve this,” you close all doors to finding a way. You close your eyes to the keys.
As a coach, my question is:
How can you ensure that you leave that door open? What can help you believe that anything is possible, and that the power to achieve whatever you want is already within you?
If “anything is possible” is not true, then:
How is it that humans once dreamed of walking on the moon, and NASA achieved it in 1969? And how is it that Guinness World Records tracks around 65,000 active records worldwide?
Across history, “impossible” has usually meant:
We don’t yet understand how to do it
We haven’t tried hard enough
We lack the technology — for now
We are not creative, persistent, courageous, curious, or faithful enough yet
So now, if anything is possible feels true for you…
What are you going to do differently today? What direction will you give your brain to help you:
Direct your life,
Pursue meaning,
Achieve your next step — and eventually your dreams?
If this resonated with you, share it — let’s help more people question the beliefs that hold them back.
Paola,
Career and Leadership Coach - Lead with passion, enthusiasm, and humanity.