Learning & behaviour change as an adult is hard. When we’re young our very plastic brains learn by default. In adulthood we need certain requirements or situations for plasticity to be met.

The REFIRE to rewire framework draws from the neuroscience of behaviour change & sets out these requirements as 6 steps.

 REASON: Find your why. 

++ Having clarity around a goal breeds confidence, motivation & excitement rather than fear & uncertainty. Knowing your goal enables you to establish ‘micro goals’ which set you up for early wins.

 ENGAGE: Two or more brains are better than one. 

++ Get feedback from the best. A teacher, coach or guide gives feedback & finesse.

 FEEL: Find the sweet spot between boredom & fear. 

++ At mild to moderate levels of activation, the brain is in the optimal state to learn. Boredom is a symptom of under-arousal. Fear is a symptom of over-arousal

 IMAGINE: Rehearse in your mind's eye.

++ The same brain regions that are activated when completing a motor skill are activated when mentally rehearsing the same task.

 REPEAT: Deliberate practice makes perfect because of neuroplasticity. 

++ Neurons that fire together wire together. Neurons that are out of sync fail to link. Amateurs practice till they get it right; professionals practise till they can’t get it wrong.

 EGO: Who are you becoming? 

++ The language you use to talk to yourself matters. Are you trying to write a book, or are you an author? Is your goal to get fit, or are you a runner? Instead of focussing on distant goals, tend to your identity. Who you will become as you REFIRE?