Embracing 2024 with Curiosity: A Guide to Senior Brain Health & Growth Mindset

Your brain is a garden waiting to be cultivated, and a growth mindset is a fertilizer that ensures the blooms of lasting cognitive health.

In the journey of practicing exquisite self-care, let’s talk about our mind, as one of the seven key areas of holistic well-being. In the pursuit of becoming an amazing woman in midlife, we have to keep our beautiful minds sharp and soak up new skills! This is an integral part of pursuing exquisite self-care for a vibrant and thriving life. I get it though–life in midlife is a juggling act of responsibilities, and finding the time and energy to learn something new can feel like a Mt. Everest climb. But trust me, it's worth it! 

Does this scenario resonate with you--- as you walk into a room and forget why you went in there? Or maybe, you've blanked out on a familiar name mid-conversation? Yes, welcome to the club! Like many of us in our senior years, the fear of memory loss and cognitive function sneaks its way into our thoughts. But what if I told you that the key to unlocking a vibrant mind lies not in fear but in curiosity? It’s the superpower of spark that ignites the flame of lifelong learning!

What's in It for You?

We're not just talking about remembering where you put your car keys (although that's a win). We're talking about a cognitive leap that transcends ordinary routines. It's about being a lifelong learner, discovering the joy of new knowledge, and crafting a mind that stays agile and vibrant!

We want our minds to stay sharp and to age gracefully, right?! Now, here's the catch: the path to a vibrant senior mind isn't just about memory games and crossword puzzles. It's about cultivating a growth mindset and embracing the thrill of learning new things!

So, what’s the secret sauce to staying curious? A growth mindset!

The Power of a Growth Mindset:

A growth mindset is the secret sauce to a healthy and vibrant mind in your senior years. It's not just about what you learn but how you approach learning. When you view challenges as opportunities, approach new skills with excitement, and believe in your ability to grow, you're setting the stage for cognitive fitness.

How Do You Respond to Learning New Things?

Ask yourself this—when was the last time you willingly dove into something entirely new? Did the idea spark excitement or fear? Your response to learning new things is a key player in the cognitive game. Embracing a growth mindset means viewing challenges as opportunities, setbacks as lessons, and every day as a chance to expand your mental horizons.

Your response isn't just a reaction; it's a glimpse into the intricate wiring of your brain. 

Here's the thing: your response to learning is a revealing clue to the intricate wiring of your brain. Do you approach it with curiosity, embracing the challenge, or do you shy away, fearing the unknown? In our exploration, we'll delve into these fascinating aspects of the growth mindset, understanding how it serves as a catalyst for cognitive well-being. Your brain is a garden waiting to be cultivated, and a growth mindset is a fertilizer that ensures the blooms of lasting cognitive health!

The Science Behind the Growth Mindset for Lasting Cognitive Health:

You’ve heard the term neuroplasticity, right? It’s a term that means your brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Our brain is like a dynamic garden of neurons, constantly sprouting new connections, pruning old ones, and adapting to the changing landscape of information. A growth mindset serves as the enchanted fertilizer, the magical elixir, for this cognitive garden!  It's a belief that intelligence can be developed, skills can be honed, and challenges are growth opportunities. Isn’t it wonderful how even in our old age, our brains are capable of constantly learning new things by forming new neurons—that is the power of neuroplasticity! 

• The Impact of Curiosity: Curiosity is the spark that ignites the fire of learning. When we approach new information with genuine interest, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This not only makes learning enjoyable but also reinforces the formation of new memories.

• Embracing Challenges: A growth mindset is willing to take on challenges. When we face and overcome obstacles, the brain responds by producing neurotrophins, compounds that support the survival, development, and function of neurons. This, in turn, contributes to a resilient and adaptable brain.

• Learning as a Cognitive Symphony: Every new piece of knowledge is like a note in a symphony. A growth mindset encourages us to compose this cognitive symphony by connecting diverse pieces of information. The brain's ability to integrate and connect knowledge enhances overall cognitive function and memory recall.

My Story: Resisting Change Navigating the Technological Maze

Learning new things can be like navigating a labyrinth, especially for me, when it involves technology. I'm in my mid-sixties, born in Korea after the Korean War. Picture this—we had no electricity, no running water, and no bathroom in the house, it was a third-world country in Korea back then. Fast forward to today, and I've seen my world change dramatically with the modern conveniences, but especially, in the technology arena, I’ve witnessed it go from nearly non-existent to omnipresent. And guess what? I resisted using technology when all these changes were happening– the internet, emails, fax machines, texting, etc.—I resisted it all like a cat resisting a bath! I had to accept and adopt these changes eventually, but it wasn't without a fair share of overwhelm and resistance!

Changes are overwhelming, especially when it feels like technology is sprinting while we're still figuring out how to walk. I’ve learned that it’s a constant choice I have to make every day, because new technologies will keep knocking on our doors, and we have to adapt or risk losing our identity by not reinventing.

Now, let me share a poignant story from 1996 when I visited my 70-year-old Korean father. He grew up in a rural village where life seemed frozen in time for centuries. He had to adapt to new things, just like we do now. I remember standing with him in front of a bank machine in the village trying to navigate all the buttons and prompts for the machine. He was struggling to figure it out—he felt confusion and frustration, but eventually, he figured it out and got the cash out of the bank machine. Tears welled up in my eyes witnessing this man, who had seen a world without electricity, grappling with modern technology and the courage it took for him to adapt to these new technologies.

His journey mirrored mine, and maybe yours too. Take my journey of creating this very website for blogging for instance—a venture that brought its fair share of challenges! There were moments of frustration, staring at the screen wondering, "How on earth do I do this?" I encouraged myself by saying, "It's okay not to understand everything right away...it's okay to feel challenged. This is the essence of growth." 

And here's the thing—I'm proud of myself for not giving up but kept on persisting through the maze. Each stumbling block was a stepping stone, and every frustrating moment was a lesson in resilience. My journey was more than just creating a website; it was a declaration that I could adapt, learn, and cultivate a growth mindset even in my old age!

And now, I am encouraging all of you amazing women to do the same! Why? Because the best part of life is the constant growth, the continual learning, and keeping our minds sharp by adapting to the ever-changing landscape. So, let's embrace this journey together. Whether it's learning a new tech trick or navigating the twists and turns of life, we've got this!

Keep persisting through the maze! Each stumbling block is a steppingstone, and every frustrating moment is a lesson in resilience.

Join the Curiosity Expedition:

This blog will be your compass, as we'll explore the science behind curiosity, the magic of a growth mindset, and practical tips for how to weave these into our daily routine. 

So, you are excited to start something new for this new year 2024? But how do you start when we can come up with a long list of obstacles why we can’t join the club? I get it! 

First off, let's shift the mindset. Instead of seeing time constraints as roadblocks, how about viewing them as opportunities for prioritizing what truly matters? Be clear on what you want from life! What are the things that light up your soul? What skills or knowledge do you dream of acquiring? So, here's the deal: you're not too busy; you're just prioritizing differently. It's not about finding time; it's about making time. Your brain is a muscle; let's give it a workout that leaves it flexing like a superhero!

In a nutshell, it's not about finding time; it's about making time for the things that light up your soul. Embrace the growth mindset, and suddenly, that overwhelming mountain becomes a thrilling adventure!

Here's the magic word: Growth Mindset.

Imagine looking at learning not as a chore but as a superpower. A growth mindset is about seeing challenges as opportunities and understanding that your abilities can be developed.

Now, about that pesky motivation issue. It's a sneaky one, isn't it? But remember, motivation often follows action, not the other way around. So, start small. Take that first step, and you might be surprised how motivation catches up with you.

And here's a secret—it's not about doing it all at once. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your growth journey doesn't have to be either. Give yourself the grace to learn gradually, and relish the process! Choose something that genuinely sparks your interest—be it painting, writing, or salsa dancing. Now, try this—instead of saying, "I don't have time," try "This is a priority, and I'll find time." It's a little mind trick for motivation. And start small!

Start small. Take that first step, and you might be surprised how motivation catches up with you!

Here are some practical tips on how to get motivated:

• Break it Down: Learning doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing deal. Break it into bite-sized chunks. Maybe dedicate 15 minutes a day to a new skill. Small consistent efforts can move mountains.

• Find Your Passion: Learning something you're genuinely excited about makes it less of a task and more of a joy. What's that one thing you've always wanted to explore? Now's the time.

• Build a Tribe: Learning is more fun with company. Join a class, a club, or an online community. Share the journey, exchange ideas, and let the collective energy fuel your motivation.

• Tech is Your Friend: Embrace the wonders of technology. Online courses, apps, and virtual communities bring the classroom to your living room. It's learning on your terms.

• Schedule it In: Time is a tricky thing, but if you don't make room for learning, it'll forever be on the back burner. Schedule it like any other appointment. Your brain deserves that date.

The Benefits of Growth Mindset:

Now, the benefits of adopting a growth mindset are like sprinkles on the cupcake of life. It's not just about learning new skills; it's about rewiring your brain, staying agile, and finding joy in the journey. Imagine the satisfaction of conquering a new challenge, the thrill of seeing progress, and the empowerment of knowing you're still growing and evolving. Plus, you're setting an incredible example for those around you! Who doesn't want to be that cool lady who's acing life and learning new tricks!?

Here are some science-based benefits of how learning new things makes you happier:

• Mind Fitness: Learning is like a workout for your brain. It keeps those neurons firing and forms new connections. It's a mental gym session.

• Confidence Booster: Mastering a new skill does wonders for your confidence. It's a reminder that you're capable of growth and adaptation.

• Stress Reliever: Surprisingly, learning can be a fantastic stressbuster. It shifts your focus, gives you a sense of achievement, and eases the daily grind.

• Social Butterfly: Whether online or offline, learning opens doors to new friendships. It's a chance to connect with like-minded souls on the same journey.

• Future-Proofing: The world is changing fast, and learning new skills is your passport to staying relevant and future-proofing yourself.

To sum it up: Do you have a growth mindset? Check. Small steps? Check. Prioritize? Check. Benefits? Double-check!

Here’s cheers to you—for making time for your dreams, finding the energy within, and embracing the joy of lifelong learning. You're not just keeping your mind sharp; you're crafting a life that's always expanding, always evolving. Because, my friends, the best is yet to come!

Your mind is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. So, what's your next learning adventure going to be?