Page 49 - Advance Copy: Todd Kaufman, Author

HOW TO MANAGE ANXIETY & END PANIC ATTACKS
!"#$%!&"# $' (!"()!*'+ ,$ -*&- ,." /$$,0)11 *' ) 2)3 .*# 0!)*' 2$%14 .)5" /$%'4 )2-2)!4 )'4 %'&$6/$!,)01"7 8/ ." /)*1"4 ,$ .$14 .*# *',"'9$': ,." '"%!$'# ,.), .)4 ;!"4 ,$+",."! #$ 6)'3 96 "#: )'4 2"!" '$2 2*!"4 ,$+",."!: 2$%14 !"#%1, *' .*6 *'< #9'&95"13 %#*'+ .*# 1"= /$$,7 >.*# *# 2.), ("$(1" 6")' 2."' ,."3 #)3 ?/$!&" $/ .)0*,7@
It was awkward and uncomfortable for the star football player to force his intention onto kicking (firing the motor neurons for) his right foot.
Repetition
We all know how this works: Pretty much any skill you have learned, you have done so with practice. In your brain, it is this repetition that continually fires the neurons that give you the outcome you desire. In Lars’ case, it was kicking the foot- ball with his right foot instead of using his dominant left foot. And as you now know, the neurons that fire together, wire to- gether.
Reward
Reward is incredibly important. Taking notice of, and invest- ing in, the pleasure you get from the outcome of a change, or even just the sense of reward you get from showing up and practicing, counts. Your brain’s ability to get you to repeat an action that brings you pleasure is almost unstoppable!
What happens in the brain when you experience pleasure is complicated: It involves a number of regions, hormones and
Real change is always uncomfortable! Embrace uncomfortable, it is the harbinger of change!
25