Notes on the Happiness Advantage pt 1:)

I know it's a little past my goal of blogging on Saturdays, but here it is! My first short blurb of many on the book The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Anchor

CHANGE IS POSSIBLE

Contrary to the many thought patterns of our society...

"You can't teach an old dog new tricks" "Some people are just born cynical and will never change" "Women aren't good at math" (say wha?)...

 change IS possible!

And there is scientific evidence to back it up! whatwhat:)

In a famous study in the field of neuroscience, squirrel monkeys- through mere practice- literally expanded the section of their brain necessary to accomplish the task of retrieving tiny food pellets in small holes outside their cage

The research article is quite long, but if you take a look at the discussion and conclusions the findings are pretty cool!

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDUQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fpublication%2F14649886_Use-dependent_alterations_of_movement_representations_in_primary_motor_cortex_of_adult_squirrel_monkeys%2Ffile%2F60b7d52879fdb56724.pdf&ei=7ryEU7C6O7fNsQTDooGYBg&usg=AFQjCNFN1aeLoMLninV7CqxJ-RYJ28q8XQ&sig2=hmp5kY7ZOM69K8RpCjkJKw&bvm=bv.67720277,d.cWc

Another example that shows that change is possible is London Cabbies!

Researchers were studying the the brains of taxi cab drivers in London and found the previously unimaginable!- the London cab driver's brains had significantly larger hippocampi (the brain structure used for spatial memory) in comparison to the average person's. WHAT?! WHY?!!

Researchers explain that the streets of London are nothing like the grids of Manhattan, but instead are like crazy, complex mazes. So in order to navigate these streets, London cabbies need an immense internal map.

According to Anchor scientists would have to argue "a) from birth, some people's genes develop a larger hippocampus because they know that they will one day grow up to be taxi cab drivers in London, (haha:p) or concede that b) the hippocampus can increase in size as as result of many hours of practice driving a taxi cab in maze-like surroundings" (Anchor 2010, p 29).

If you're bored and want to read a little more about this interesting research study, here!:) http://www.freewebs.com/sgspsychology/BIOLOGICAL/Tx_Maguire.pdf

So, as we can see our potential is NOT biologically based! NO SIR!

Instead, our brains have the unique ability to change given its circumstances and surroundings, which is referred to as neuroplasticity: the idea the brain is malleable & can change throughout our lives- yes! even beyond our late adolescent years & 20's

Again, our brains change in response to our actions & circumstances!- how cool is that?

Knowing the neuroplasticity of the brain, the potential for intellectual and personal growth is equally malleable! Numerous studies show that there are ways we can permanently raise our happiness baseline & adapt a more positive mindset!!

"People can become happier, pessimists can become optimists, and stressed and negative brains can be trained to see more possibility" (Anchor 2010, p 31).

So take heart! There is hope & CHANGE IS POSSIBLE!!!:D

Thanks for reading:) So next week will be the beginning of going through the Seven Principles- & each of these principles have been based on years of hard science ideas that have been tested, retested and proven effective! Of course it will takes focus & effort to put these principles into action- but that effort can result in lasting change, so let's get excited!!:D

A sneak peak of what's to come- The Seven Principles

1) The Happiness Advantage

2) The Fulcrum & the Lever

3) The Tetris Effect

4) Falling up

5) The Zorro Circle

6) The 20-Second Rule

7) Social Investment