It's held online, with a small group of like-minded people who are interested in discovering more about how the human brain works so that improvements can be made in all areas of life. Neuroscientists estimate that 95% of the brain's activity is unconscious, and with 86 billion cells, it is the most complex organism in the known universe. Learning more about how human brains work generally, and your own brain works uniquely, allows each of us to make changes that improve effectiveness, communication, relationships and many other areas of life. The workshop programme lasts 6 months, with a 90 minute workshop every week, so the learning is in bite-sized portions that can be implemented during your week. The comprehensive syllabus is split into three areas: Brain function, inputs into the brain, and brain outputs. Subjects include: the impact of evolution on the brain, brain energy management, influence, beliefs, reactions, emotions, thinking, mindset, creativity, relationships and communication. Each week we take a single subject for exploration and look at how that element impacts you on an individual basis, and others generally, empowering you to decide if changes are necessary or appropriate for your personal growth. We finish every week with an opportunity for everyone to capture their learnings and/or insights which we then share for everyone’s benefit. Some subjects stand alone while others impact on other areas. We embrace that complexity and recognise that multiple factors are at play at times. For example, our beliefs impact many aspects of our lives. The context I am using for beliefs here is: A thought that cannot be proven. Examples are:
• Democracy is the best form of government.
• Life was better in the olden days
• Cricket is the best sport
• I am responsible for my kids
• I am (not) good at my job
• I deserve a pay rise
• I’m an A (or B/C/D etc) student
• I am (not) good enough
We find that we all have hundreds if not thousands of beliefs for all sorts of different situations. Public Speaking is a useful illustration. What do you believe about your ability to present an idea to your friend for an evening out? What about presenting an idea to your boss? Your whole organisation? A political rally? Henry Ford said: “Whether you believe you can, or you can’t, you’re correct”
This is the impact our beliefs can have on our choices, our actions and therefore on our results. Difficulties arise when we treat our beliefs, not as beliefs, but as ‘The Truth’.
• “I can’t ask that girl out on a date”
• “I can’t leave the security of my job and start a business”
• “I can’t say no to my boss/partner/mother etc”
When we recognise that a belief is just a thought, and an energy saving shortcut mechanism that our brains use to make sense of the world, many of which we created when we were toddlers. We can examine them objectively and decide whether they serve us or detract from us being the best version of ourselves. We believe:
Good is good
Better is better
However good your life is or isn’t (in your opinion) there is always room to improve. And that making improvements is great, even joyous.
