Our brain develops neural pathways and the more we use them, they become thicker and deeper, embedding into the deeper portions of the brain. The young brain has a lot of plasticity and flexibility, which explains why children and young people learn so quickly.
As we reach adulthood, we rely on so many neural pathways and the behavioral patterns we learned in childhood. As you age, your brain becomes more passive, favoring already established neural pathways. Only if you let it, though. In other words, there are ways to create new connections between the neurons and keep your brain active and flexible throughout your life.
What Behavior Patterns Are Strengthening Your Neural Pathways?
Our brain can adapt to three major types of change. The brain can:
- Strengthen existing behavior patterns
- Expands or revises current behaviors
- Adapts to entirely new behavior patterns
Strengthening Existing Neural Pathways
One way your brain adapts to change is by strengthening the neural pathways associated with certain behaviors. This happens when you repeat a certain behavior, such as playing an instrument – your neural pathways associated with this behavior are strengthening each time you repeat this behavior, and the brain increasingly performs the behavior more and more subconsciously. Once you learn the behavior, your brain transfers learned skills from the conscious to the subconscious mind, where it stores them in long-term memory.
The ability to perform a certain behavior subconsciously allows you to complete it more easily and efficiently. Also, it makes it possible to further enhance and develop behavior.
Modifying Existing Neural Pathways
When we make changes to our current behaviors, our brain adapts by rewiring existing neurons, forming new neural pathways, and strengthening existing ones.
The brain then removes the rewired behaviors from the subconscious mind. This allows us to transfer a set of skills learned in one situation to similar situations. In addition, this ability for change allows us to master our skills and makes it easier to learn similar ones.
Building Completely New Neural Pathways
Whenever you learn something new, your brain adapts by growing new neurons and building new neural pathways. This type of adaptation is the most challenging, as the brain needs to restructure old patterns to add new ones. Learning new behavior patterns requires more of your cognitive, emotional, and physical resources. Furthermore, this type of change requires a determined effort and conscious focus.
Adapting to a new behavior may cause you to worry and feel inadequate, which may negatively affect your self-esteem and confidence. Therefore, to learn a new behavior, your conscious mind needs to train your brain to endure the most challenging circumstances and to interpret stress as motivation to adopt a new behavioral pattern.
Rewiring Your Neural Pathways for Lasting Change
Our brain uses three basic ways to adapt to constant change. Having a knowledge of these patterns allows you to understand your abilities and inspires you to pursue the most advantageous behaviors. You can reshape your neural pathways and create patterns that support a more fulfilling, aligned life. With the right guidance, it becomes easier to shift away from automatic responses and intentionally build new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Working with a certified life coach can help you stay consistent, accountable, and supported as you create lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can neural pathways change as we get older?
Yes, neural pathways can change at any age. While the brain may rely more on established patterns in adulthood, it can still form new neural pathways through intentional practice and repetition.
How can I create new neural pathways in my brain?
You can create new neural pathways by consistently practicing new behaviors, staying mindful of your habits, and challenging old patterns. Repetition and conscious effort are key to making new behaviors stick.
When should I seek support to change my behavior patterns?
If you feel stuck in repetitive patterns that no longer serve you, working with a coach can help you identify those patterns and intentionally create new neural pathways that support growth and change.
