We are excited to bring you one of our “Best Of” episodes from 2024, where we delve deep into the fascinating world of neuroscience and mindset with our guest, John Assaraf. In this re-release, John shares his profound wisdom on how our brains function and how structuring our thoughts can lead to the successful achievement of our goals. We revisit the brain’s built-in GPS system, the importance of self-awareness, stress management, and the incredible concept of “innercising.” This discussion was incredibly insightful, and we are confident you'll gain valuable takeaways to apply in your own life and business.
Understanding the Brain’s GPS for Goals
John shared how our brain works like a GPS system when it comes to achieving goals. It needs to know what we want to achieve, why it’s important, how we’ll get there, and when we want to achieve it. He introduced the role of dopamine, which our brain releases when we anticipate achieving a goal, acting as a motivator to keep us going. This biological understanding provides clarity on setting clear and detailed goals to stimulate the brain's built-in mechanisms successfully.
The Role of Stress and How to Manage It
John emphasized the impact of stress and how it can lead to anxiety if not properly managed. Our brain tends to anticipate failure, creating stress and anxiety. He shared the GOPA method—Goals, Obstacles, Plan, Action—to help prioritize tasks and take effective steps forward. John also noted that recognizing when stressors exceed our capacity is crucial. By addressing these stressors and demands, we can prevent them from hampering our progress.
The Subconscious Mind and Its Automation
The subconscious mind plays a significant role in automating our everyday tasks, allowing our conscious mind to save energy. John explained that our subconscious mind operates based on the patterns we’ve created, whether positive or negative. Repeated disempowering thought and behavior patterns can lead to the creation of disempowering habits. By becoming self-aware, we can consciously retrain and reprogram our subconscious mind to shift towards more positive and empowering thoughts and behaviors.
Neuroplasticity and How to Rewire Your Brain
John discussed neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout life. This means we can deliberately create new neural patterns beyond the age of 12-13. Most of our behaviors are automated based on subconscious programming, influenced by our beliefs, fears, self-image, and lack of knowledge or skills. John highlighted the importance of upgrading our beliefs, regulating our emotions, improving our self-image, and continuously acquiring new knowledge and skills for personal development.
Commitment vs. Interest in Achieving Goals
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the difference between being interested in a goal and being committed to it. Commitment means doing whatever it takes to achieve the goal, such as upgrading your knowledge and skills and seeking help when needed. John stressed that the resources and information needed to achieve our goals already exist; it’s our level of commitment and having a strong enough reason why we must achieve the goal that makes the difference.
Visualization and Innercise Techniques
Visualization played a significant role in John’s approach. He introduced the concept of “innercising,” which involves daily practices to activate specific neurons through language patterns, emotional centers, and positive visualization. One technique John shared includes taking deep breaths and using affirmations to stimulate the brain’s motivational and behavioral centers. This practice helped him achieve success in various areas, including sports and personal transformation. According to John, it takes consistent innercise over 66 to 365 days to create a new habit and reinforce new neural patterns.
Personal Transformation and Overcoming Obstacles
John shared his inspiring personal transformation journey, detailing how he overcame significant obstacles such as a massive business breakup, quitting alcohol and sugar, and losing weight. He attributed his success to setting a clear vision and goals, developing strong beliefs and strategies, and building supportive habits. The combination of inner (mental) and outer (action-based) game was instrumental in his transformation. He also highlighted the importance of stress management and innercises as crucial tools for achieving personal and professional goals.
John has taught behavioral neuroscience and psychology to over 100,000 students over the past 10 years through various programs and platforms. His book “Innercise” has been very popular, achieving number one on Amazon in the mindset arena. He also developed an Innercise app, offering various exercises to improve different aspects of life.
Useful External Resources:
- John Assaraf's book “Innercise“
- Check out the Innercise App
- See the latest from John Assaraf
In summary, this episode offers a deep dive into how understanding and effectively using our brains can lead to achieving our goals. John Assaraf’s practical advice on structuring your thought processes, managing stress, and retraining your subconscious mind provides actionable steps you can take starting today. Remember, by upgrading our beliefs, regulating our emotions, and staying committed, we can develop habits that align with our goals and lead to success.
Thank you for tuning in, and I’m excited to bring you more insightful discussions in future episodes of Hustle and Flowchart. Stay mindful, stay motivated, and keep hustling!
Two Other Episodes You Should Check Out
- How To Build Tiny Habits That Stick with BJ Fogg
- Harnessing Intuition: Masculine and Feminine Energies in Business with Molly Hamill
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