465: How to change your brain to get what you want | Neuroscientist Tara Swart Bieber, M.D., Ph.D.

Small Steps

Embracing small, incremental changes is crucial for personal development and achieving goals. Dr. Tara Swart Bieber emphasizes the importance of focusing on smaller action items, suggesting that picking two or three small habits to change each quarter can lead to significant progress over time 1. She shares her own experience of adopting ten new habits in a year by following this approach. Jason Wachob adds that meaningful connections in real life are essential for success 1. Tara also discusses the role of abundance mindset in manifesting goals, highlighting the need to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations to shift from scarcity to abundance 2.

Once you have more abundance in your thinking, you're more likely to do some of the things that might get you what you want.

--- Dr. Tara Swart Bieber

Taking small, low-risk actions can build confidence and lead to achieving larger goals.

   

Sleep & Health

Sleep quality and posture play a significant role in brain health and success. Dr. Tara Swart Bieber explains that maintaining regular sleep and wake times can enhance brain power, while the Tetris effect suggests that the last thing you see at night imprints strongly on your subconscious 3. She recommends placing an action board near your bed to positively influence your subconscious during sleep. Jason Wachob highlights the importance of sleep posture, noting that side sleeping aids in the brain's detoxification process 4.

The best position for cleaning out your brain overnight...is lying on your side.

--- Dr. Tara Swart Bieber

This process, known as the glymphatic system, helps remove toxins and supports overall brain health.

   

Purpose

Having a clear purpose is essential for achieving life goals and enhancing personal development. Dr. Tara Swart Bieber discusses the difference between daydreaming and intentional mind wandering, emphasizing that the latter can boost creativity and flexible thinking 5. She notes that having a purpose beyond oneself can have beneficial effects on the brain. Jason Wachob underscores the importance of purpose in longevity and personal growth 5.

Having a purpose that transcends yourself is actually a very, very impactful thing for your brain.

--- Dr. Tara Swart Bieber

This transcendent purpose can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.