Mindshifting is recognizing and shifting from the mindsets that hold us back to the mindsets that push us forward. I write about mindsets, Mindshifting, learning, and education, with the hope that these posts give readers more power over their own lives and helps them give others, like their students, more power as well.
Unlock your potential by shifting from limbic to sage
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In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, the ability to adapt, problem-solve, and thrive in the face of challenges is more important than ever. The book "MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success" offers a framework for unlocking our full cognitive potential and cultivating a more resilient and resourceful mindset. At the heart of this approach is the understanding of the interplay between the limbic system, or "lizard brain," and the prefrontal cortex, the seat of our higher-order thinking abilities. The limbic system is responsible for our quick, instinctive reactions, driven by survival instincts and emotional responses. In contrast, the prefrontal cortex is the domain of critical thinking, creativity, and empathy – the hallmarks of our "sage" or resourceful mind. The key to unlocking our full potential lies in our ability to shift from the limbic, survival-oriented mode to the prefrontal, sage-like state of being. When we operate from the limbic system, we are prone to fight-or-flight responses, habitual behaviors, knee-jerk reactions, or going along with whatever everyone else seems to be doing. This can often lead to decisions and actions that are misaligned with our long-term goals and values. By learning to intercept these limbic impulses and consciously shift our mindset, we can access the transformative power of the prefrontal cortex. In this sage-like state, we approach challenges with a sense of curiosity, play, and exploration, triggering the release of joyful hormones like serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. These neurochemicals fuel our five sage powers: empathy, exploration, innovation, navigation, and focused action. The MindShifting framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for this cognitive transformation. By cultivating self-awareness, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in constructive self-dialogue, we can learn to recognize when our limbic system is in control and intentionally reset our brains to a more resourceful and resilient mode of operation. This process of MindShifting empowers us to overcome limiting beliefs, navigate challenges with greater ease, and unlock our full potential for personal and professional growth. Whether you're a student, educator, or simply someone seeking to live a more fulfilling life, these insights and strategies offer a transformative path forward. |
Mindshifting Educators
Mindshifting is recognizing and shifting from the mindsets that hold us back to the mindsets that push us forward. I write about mindsets, Mindshifting, learning, and education, with the hope that these posts give readers more power over their own lives and helps them give others, like their students, more power as well.
On March 18, 2025 we finished up the MindShifting: Conflict and Collaboration course with 12 presentations on lessons that participants created. These are so inspiring, there were lessons for young children through high school, lessons for adults, posters, a song, and an AI generated podcast about a technique to de-escalate a confrontation with a student. You won't want to miss these. The next MindShifting class starts April 22 (NY teachers can find the course on Frontline, WA teachers can...
Fong Chua hosts the Peak Potential Success show, and I recently had the chance to talk with him about succeeding despite adversity, developing a mindset that fuels success, and #MindShifting. I hope you find this as helpful and interesting as I did. You might want to consider subscribing to the podcast for more interesting discussions.
Carl Jung, frenemy of Sigmund Freud, and a pillar of Psychoanalysis. He died in 1977, and in his later years talked about the interfaces between humans and technology. He felt that our relationship with technology would be the greatest danger we faced in the future. Here is a quote from one of his later interviews: “The power of science and technics … is so enormous and indisputable that there is little point in reckoning up all that can be done and all that has been invented. One shudders at...