Mental Training - A How To
Guide by: Steve
Gillman
Mental training isn't necessarily like physical training.
"No pain - no gain" isn't the way it works. Look, you could
practice running faster, or just use a car, and if all you want
is to get from here to there, the latter makes more sense.
Similarly, brain "exercises" will strengthen the functioning of
your brain, or you can just use better tools. That's what this
brain training is about - making habit of using simple tools
and techniques.
Mental Training In Simple Rules
Simple rules, used habitually, can enhance your brainpower.
For example, if you're considering investments, you can apply
the "rule of 72." It's a formula for determining how long it
takes to double your money. Divide the rate of return you
expect into 72, and the result is the number of years it takes
to double your money. If an account pays 6% interest, you
divide 72 by 6 and you know that it will take about 12 years to
double your money. The rule is based on the compounding of
interest, and assumes that you reinvest all interest or
investment income.
Real estate investors use simple rules such as "Don't pay
more than 100 times monthly rent for an income property." This
isn't a replacement for real analysis, but when you train your
mind to use such a rule, it speeds up the process. You can
eliminate properties selling for 150 times monthly rent, even
while an investor with a better brain for numbers is still
analylizing them.
Mental Training In Simple Questions
It's not all about mathematical formulas. Simple questions
can also help you more quickly reach the result you want. For
example, comedians use such questions unconsciously, and write
jokes even more efficiently if they consciously use them.
Suppose a friend mentions that having children gives him a
sense of immortality. The comedian's question, "What's wrong
with this picture?" makes you realize it means dying, so you
reply, "I don't want immortality through my children. I want to
immortality by not dying!"
"Mental algorithms" for a comedian might include asking
questions like, "What if I take this to the extreme?" "How
would this look to a dog?" "Which words in this have double
meanings that I can play with?" or "What is the stupidest part
of this situation?"
Mental Training In Simple Techniques
Use problem solving techniques enough, and they become a
habitual part of your thinking process. For example, try the
powerful problem solving technique of challenging assumptions.
It's an especially effective way to bring more effective
brainpower to personal issues, where there are so many hidden
assumptions.
Suppose your kids are fighting over the television, and
you're tired of it. Perhaps you are assuming the following: 1.
You need to have a TV; 2. Fighting over the TV is the problem;
3. The fighting needs to stop; 4. It's your problem.
The process of challenging these assumptions may suggest the
following solutions: 1. Get rid of the TV, or limit it's use;
2. Deal with the general issue of the kids' behavior; 3. Leave
the room, close the door and let them fight; 4. Tell the kids
it's their problem, and they have a week to come up with a
solution, or the TV goes.
Each human activity has it's own most useful rules and
guidelines that you can train your brain to use. Then there are
general "life rules" that can help you make better decisions.
For example, you might train yourself to ask, "How does this
advance me towards my important goals?" and "Is there a better
alternative?"
We all have patterns and mental habits in our subconscious
minds, but they are not necessarily the best ones, are they?
Why not consciously train yourself to use the questions, rules,
and patterns of behavior that are most useful? This can start
with simple mental training.
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About The Author
Steve Gillman has been studying brainpower
and related topics for years. For more on How
To Increase Brain Power, and to get the Brain
Power Newsletter and other free gifts, visit:
http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com.
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