Approaches to change: human transformation
How do you approach change? Are you someone who experiences it with unease? Or do you see it as a challenge?
In our experience, we have seen that regardless of whether we view it in a positive or negative light, we all face it.
For this reason, we believe it is vital to reflect on the benefits brought by a change-oriented mindset. Thanks to a more constructive approach, people can remain grounded through change, navigate it consciously, and adapt effectively to both internal and external inputs.
In fact, whether we welcome them or resist them, changes happen constantly. We ourselves are in a perpetual state of flux, so the best thing we can do is cultivate a mental approach that fosters genuine adaptability.
Change does not mean replacing one thing with another; it means seeing another option… it is not about letting go, but about building upon.
Change is inherent to human beings, largely thanks to the way our brains work—which is why we talk about human transformation. We are not immutable, as some might think; on the contrary, we are naturally wired for change thanks to the neuroplasticity of our brains. This is demonstrated by the simple fact that we are different today from who we were yesterday, just as we will be different tomorrow.
Let us look more closely at what this means.
Brain neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is our nervous system’s ability to adapt its structure and organisation in response to a wide range of internal and external factors. Let us explore how this ability develops and how it is nurtured.
Early researchers believed that the creation of new neurons ceased shortly after birth.
Today, we know that the brain not only possesses the ability to reorganise itself and form new connections, but in some cases can even generate new neurons.
The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons or nerve cells.
In the early years of life, the brain grows rapidly. At birth, each neuron in an infant’s cerebral cortex already displays around 2,500 synapses—that is, 2,500 connections with other neurons. By the age of three, that number reaches 15,000 synapses. Then the curve levels off.
As we acquire new experiences, some connections are reinforced while others are pruned away. This process is known as synaptic pruning.
By developing new connections and pruning weak ones, the brain is able to adapt to a changing environment.
Neuroplasticity is defined by several key characteristics:
- Synapses form whenever we learn, experience new things, and build memories. It is an ongoing process.
- Young brains are naturally more sensitive and responsive to novelty, but that does not mean adult brains cannot adapt and change.
- Plasticity continues throughout our entire lives.
So, what can we do to keep our brains active?
- Stimulate ourselves by learning a new language or musical instrument
- Travel and engage with different cultures
- Rest… yes, growing neural connections and building the highways of our development requires rest too!
- And, naturally, embrace change: do things differently and step out of established routines, both in what we do and how we think.
Speaking of routines… routines are not just the things we do every day in the same way; they are also our habits of thought. Stereotypes, limiting beliefs and biases are remarkable frameworks that allow our brains to conserve energy. In practice, these mental constructs are not managed by the conscious mind, but by the unconscious mind where all automatic thoughts reside. Putting the brain on autopilot saves energy—one of our brain’s primary goals.
How do we enable a change mindset and human transformation?
In short, enabling a change mindset requires stepping out of our comfort zone and facing the “fears” that can make us resistant to change: doing things the way they have always been done is comfortable and virtually effortless. To learn how to do new things, to drive human transformation, and to adapt to a changing environment, we need to activate the thinking part of our brain: ask questions, take risks, listen, seek support, challenge ourselves or simply take action… What is more, we must be willing to invest energy: around 20% of the calories we consume daily fuel the work done by synapses in forming new neural pathways. So, let’s be honest: embracing change helps us stay in shape!
