In life, having just a small
edge can make a super colossal difference. Many of us start our work day
with an unmotivated, distracted, and foggy brain. We work all day only to
realize we didn’t accomplish anything of true value.
This type of performance is the enemy of success. Imagine having a powerhouse in your head that can stay laser focused on the task at hand, effortlessly learn and recall important information, and confidently make critical decisions at the drop of a dime. What would that do for your success?
Let’s find out a few simple
things we can do to make sure we are performing closer to our mental capacity.
Here are 5 simple things we can do to make sure we are performing
closer to our mental capacity:
1. Sit down with a purpose
Before you start a task, find
your why. Don’t just ask yourself what is it that you want to
achieve; ask yourself why you want to get this done. Make it personal and
try to stir up your emotions. And most importantly, be specific. Clarity
diffuses resistance. When you have your purpose, keep it at the
forefront of your mind. This will help motivate you to complete the task at
hand. With motivation comes increased attention, comprehension, and retention.
2. Stop multitasking the moment away
Attempting to multitask
nullifies our concentration. Many people pride themselves at being a great
multitasker when in reality, multitasking is an illusion. We may be able to do
a bunch of things at the same time, but we can only truly focus on
one thing at a time.
When we “multitask”, all we are
really doing is rapidly switching back and forth. Your brain power takes a hit
with each switch. Not to mention, it takes valuable time and energy
to refocus. By constantly switching tasks, you are inadvertently
training your brain to have attention deficit! If you find it hard to
concentrate, all that multitasking “practice” is most likely your
problem. When you zero in on one thing, all your brain power and resources
converge.
3. No McD’s hotcakes for
breakfast
Your memory plays possibly the
largest role in optimal cognitive performance. Without being able to recall
information and experiences, we can’t focus, solve problems, or make informed
decisions. So what’s that got to do with pancakes? The hotcakes and
sausage meal at McDonald’s has a whopping 4.1g trans fat! This is not only bad
for your heart (which pumps blood and oxygen to your brain), but also
your hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that is involved in memory.
This area of the brain is very
susceptive to cell damage. Trans fat causes oxidative stress and inflammation
galore! The result is malfunctioning brain cells. Beginning your day with
fast foods containing trans fat sets your brain up for failure. If you’re in a
hurry, opt for some fruit high in antioxidants. This will have the opposite
effect of trans fat on your brain.
4. Meditate to medicate
Practically every high achiever meditates. Meditation
lowers the frequency of your brain waves. In regards to your cognitive
performance, this means a much more calm, focused, creative, and intuitive
brain. When you need to zone in on a task, or make a crucial decision,
meditate for 20 minutes before hand. This willprime your brain and
put it in the optimal state.
“Meditation
is a legal, mind-altering, and non-addictive brain enhancer. It helps you
to see clearer, further, wider.” –Karen Salmansohn
5. Release your mental pressure
One of the worst things for
your brain is stress. A little stress isn’t always bad,
because in some cases it is what keeps us from danger. However, humans
are the only mammals that experience stress over thoughts, which leads
to chronic stress. Chronic stress and the release of too much of the
stress hormone cortisol literally alters our neural circuitry and causes cells
to malfunction. These changes in the brain create a cycle of an on-edge
feeling and reduced cognitive performance.
Stressful situations can’t
always be avoided, but if you are feeling stressed after the
fact, you need to find a release. This can be anything from working out to
going shopping. Find something you enjoy and release your tension or else
your brain power will suffer.
Your brain plays the most vital
role in achieving success and a high quality of life. Gaining a cognitive edge
can put daylight between you and your opposition – whether that be your
competition, or your old self.
Source: http://addicted2success.com/