Shaping the future

You know, it’s funny how sometimes the simplest things take the longest to sink in. Recently, it hit me that you can actually shape your own future by reflecting on your past. Yeah, sounds a bit like some new-age mumbo jumbo, but hear me out.

If you’re like me, you might have spent too much time going over recent activities or interactions with people, thinking about how you could have improved them or had them go a better way. We do this thinking that if we find out the better ways, we will start doing them and life will get better, right? Wrong, it's not quite like that. Let’s back up a bit; I'll explain and then show you the hack.

Turn on the radio, open a paper, or watch the news, and what do you hear about? AI. Well, about that... Our brains, much like large language models (LLMs), learn through a process of reinforcement and pruning. LLMs are trained on vast datasets, learning to recognize patterns and make predictions. Similarly, our brains reinforce neural pathways that are frequently used while pruning away those that aren't.

Our brains are these incredible, yet sometimes stubborn, organs. They show us what they think we want to see, based on past experiences and what we've conditioned them to focus on. This is where the concept of neuroplasticity comes in. Simply put, neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to rewire itself, forming new neural connections. When we focus on positive experiences, we reinforce the pathways associated with those memories. It’s like strengthening a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Here's How You Use That to Shape the Future

Start jotting down the good stuff each day or whenever you have the chance. Daily is better, but consistency is even more important. It doesn’t have to be anything grand. Did you see someone smile? Did someone crack a joke that made you laugh? Write it down. 

When negative thoughts creep in, and they will, try to reframe them. What did you learn? Is there a silver lining? By consistently writing about the good and reframing the difficult times in a positive or constructive light, you're essentially pruning out the negatives and detractors from your mental garden.

And while you’re at it, regularly visualize positive outcomes and future experiences. Picture yourself achieving your goals and relishing the journey. The more vivid and sensory-rich these visualizations, the more effective they are. By consciously choosing to reflect on and visualize the positive aspects of your life, you’re not only improving your present but also shaping your future. Your brain will start to expect more good things, and in turn, it will filter and present information that aligns with those expectations. It’s a self-reinforcing cycle that can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life.

By consciously choosing to reflect on the positive aspects of your life, you’re not only improving your present but also shaping your future. Your brain will start to expect more good things, and in turn, it will filter and present information that aligns with those expectations. It’s a self-reinforcing cycle that can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life.

Consciousness theory tells us that our brains are constantly filtering information. Creating our reality first, and using feedback from whats out there to reign back in the 'reality' we are being shown. Imagine boiling down all the data we are bombarded with to a dollar; well, we can only handle what amounts to 1/100th of a penny. You got it, a penny's worth of a penny. We are not getting shown the rest. That’s a tiny fraction, heavily influenced by our expectations, likes, desires, and experiences. By focusing on the positive, we’re telling our brains what we like, which it then translates into what we get shown and what we experience (and what we kinda think is all there is).

Final Thoughts

Our brains are amazing, but they only show us a fraction of what’s out there. By focusing on what makes us happy and what brings us joy, we can guide our brains to expect and seek out these positive experiences. This isn’t just some lofty ideal—it’s grounded in real science.

So, start today. Reflect on the good, write about the joy, and set your brain to expect the best. Your future self will thank you.

Keep exploring, keep reflecting, and shape your own path to a brighter, happier future!

Stay positive,

Kris