Catch of the day

I remember sitting in a workshop learning about the new insights neuroscience is uncovering about the human brain for the first time and my mind was blown! I couldn't believe that I'd lived my life up to that point without knowing about this stuff. If I was out fishing it would be the equivalent of reeling in the catch of a lifetime.

Surely you've had an experience or two like that in your life?

A quote that sums it up best is:

"‘A mind, once expanded by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

It sent me on a learning trajectory like no other. Since then I've learned more and more about our brains, how our emotional state and physiology interplay, and the result of how all of this manifests in our day to day lives.

Most importantly, I've learned that how conscious we are of how we think, feel and act has a huge impact on how we show up each minute of each day, the impact that has on the people around us, and the total sum of the life we experience overall - it's a big deal I reckon. I'm really grateful to have had this learning come into my awareness early in my life for sure.

I'm a big fan of one-liners, and every now and then one pops up that makes me stop and take note, like this one.....

"More is caught than taught."

Five words with a very powerful message.

Our brain is a pattern recognising system, and it loves to conserve energy when it can. As a result it helps us create habits: things we do without really having to think much about, so that we can conserve energy and use it elsewhere throughout the day.

Although, what can happen is that we 'catch' thoughts, feeling and behaviours from the situations we find ourselves in, and the people we are in proximity to, without realising! Sometimes they are positive and useful - even life-changing in some instances, and sometimes.....well.....not so much.

It's important to consider the people, places and perspectives you are experiencing most often because they are shaping who you are and influencing the trajectory of your life.

A a leader and influencer, you have a role in being more conscious of how you show up and contribute to the experience of others. To make sure that what others are 'catching' from you is helping them to be the best version of themselves!