Unlock the power of lifelong learning and personal growth to rewire your brain, improve cognitive function, and reach your full potential.
The Power of Lifelong Learning in Enhancing Brain Health
As someone who trains others, I am always training myself. After two brain surgeries, I work continuously to improve my cognition and overall brain health. Right now, I’m teaching myself Latin while also studying chess. Both are part of my strategy to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which enhances neuroplasticity and stimulates neurogenesis—the process of creating new neurons.
BDNF keeps more than our brains healthy. Healthy levels of BDNF also help us remain resilient in times of stress, and protect our ability to maintain homeostasis, which is the internal balance that keeps our cells and organs healthy. Plus, it prevents us from eating too much and putting on weight. It’s no surprise that biohackers, people who try to optimize their bodies and health, love BDNF, but anyone can benefit from a little boost.
There are many activities that can increase BDNF, and all of them can also help you maximize your potential. The big categories include:
- Physical exercise
- Healthy diet
- Socializing with friends and family
- Developing new skills
We’ll focus on the last one here because developing new skills is one of the best ways to unlock hidden potential and push your personal limits.
Personal Growth and Skill Development: Unlocking Hidden Potential
When you work on a new activity, you challenge your mind and stimulate your brain. Hobbies are important, and if you're not engaged in personal growth through multiple projects, you're leaving untapped potential on the table. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to cook or play the guitar. Maybe you want to build models, write poetry, paint landscapes, or rebuild a car engine. Dedicating time to understand a skill and work toward creating something helps you learn something new, and your brain will respond positively.
Years ago, I gave each of my brothers a guitar. My older brother received a Telecaster, and my younger brother got a $4,000 Martin acoustic-electric. My younger brother returned the Martin to me, worried it might get stolen in the comedy clubs where he performs. Now, I have someone modify it to make it easier for me to play (music is a longtime hobby of mine) or trade it in for something else.
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone to Sharpen Your Mind
A few months ago, I did 12 minutes on stage at The Funny Bone. My wife and daughters joined me there. The littlest one was worried that I would bomb and have my feelings hurt. The emcee announced me by telling the audience that this was my first time doing comedy. That was true, and I had prepared for my set, but I am comfortable being on stage.
I have been on stages since I was 16 years old. After hundreds of keynotes, I know how to get a laugh or two. I am going back to The Funny Bone this month, bringing what I’ve learned and fine-tuning my craft.
Creative Pursuits That Strengthen Cognitive Flexibility
In my 12-minute set, I got two applause breaks and can call the evening a success. What I found funny was seeing the two men sitting in front of me react. My routine was clean, and they were there to see my dirty little brother, but they appreciated my set.
My brother has never done anything other than comedy. Well, that’s not exactly true. In LA, he had a girlfriend who gave Jake an ultimatum: He had to get a job, or she would leave. He worked exactly one hour, answering calls, and then left to help his girlfriend pack. Jake is now writing short films, which is a way of applying his skill in a little different way.
It’s important to not get stuck doing the same thing over and over. It’s human nature to fall into patterns and let our habits guide us without even thinking about it. But that will not do much for you. Habits are essentially mindless behaviors, and mindless behaviors cannot help you achieve your full potential. Think about that the next time you decide to sit on the couch passing time by scrolling or streaming. There are hundreds of things you could do instead—reading, art, painting, woodworking, writing, building something—that would help you tap into something you are ignoring.
What’s Your Next Big Personal Growth Challenge?
What are you doing to improve yourself? What have you always wanted to do? What would you want to learn? What could be the coolest improvement that you would go all in on?
If those questions are too abstract, imagine that you are being interviewed on your favorite talk show or podcast. What are you being interviewed for? What would you want to have accomplished? That can help you find your path to personal growth. You don’t have to tell anybody what you are trying to do—just make it your own. What change in what you do may also make you quite different than before you made that change?
Taking on a big challenge will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Easy things rarely pay off. Instead of doing the comfortable thing, pick something to push yourself with. Pick something a little hard and set a concrete goal and timeline. Maybe you plan to write a novel and be finished with your first draft in six months. Maybe you want to build a new coffee table to give to your kid when they move into their first apartment this spring. Maybe you want to host a dinner party where you’ve cooked beef bourguignon from scratch. Maybe you want to learn about ancient Rome and plan a trip to Italy in time for your next birthday.
How you choose to spend your time tells you everything about your decision about what to do with your life. Make it worthwhile. Make it fun. And make it challenging.
And, of course, if you need sales training, I’ve got you!
