Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Whether we know it or not … the human brain rewires itself based on what we observe in people around us at work … by things we do daily …  and by the times in which we live. We often explain the best and worst of life more through what we do… read… and observe … and in so doing we lose out … and miss grand opportunities at times.

People and experiences dictate to the human brain what we should do: In Ernest Hemingway’s well-known novel… In Our Time… Nick visits the cottage with his friend Bill and over whisky and scotch, the two friends talk about baseball, literature, fathers, and finally Nick's recent breakup with Marge. Bill reminds his friend that he’s better off without Marge in his rather pessimistic take on marriage. Nick tends to believe his friend, and also remembers the disastrous marriage his parents suffered.

Reflection stirs your frontal lobe brain areas to nab possibilities beyond the problems: When we step back and reflect we fast-forward our brains past experiences alone and we find other alternatives. In spite of what he hears and sees to the contrary though … Nick laments his sudden breakup with Marge.  He describes how it hit as suddenly as winds break after a three day blow. Finally! Nick retakes the helm of his own actions. With nature in mind…  he compares the possibility that the wind will blow again …  and the possibility that he will again see Marge. Do you reflect to allow your brain to lift you beyond problems to see possibilities? 

Nick’s reflection removes the finality of their separation and encourages Nick to consider alternatives. He begins to make other plans to go into town Saturday evening … where he could see Marge. Possibly he won't, but the possibility of seeing her encourages him, in case their relationship can be restored.

Have you seen any possibilities beyond negative realities around you…? In his novel ... Hemingway suggested that opportunities likely await you ... on the other side of problems ... and in brain based business evidence exists that affirm they usually do just that. What do you think?