Written by Leif Rasmussen, Mind Skills Trainer
Leif's drive to enhance life fuels his unique approach, combining leading neuroscience with practical training for individuals and groups. His effective methods emphasize flexibility and unique individuality, giving people the knowledge and skills to make better decisions with a touch of “I wonder if?
And what if it affects people you care about? Your family, your friends, children, loved ones? Imagine an 8-year-old girl in your life, maybe your daughter or the daughter of a close friend. This young girl isn’t your “typical girl.” She has a passion for business and science, so some people might think, “She is strange” and avoid her.
But she is also incredibly loving and sweet. Picture her growing up to become very successful, cherished by her colleagues and friends. When she has children of her own, she can provide for them exceptionally well, giving them a wonderful life. She thrives even though she is “strange.”
Now, think about a boy you might know who is more sensitive than boys are “supposed” to be. Some might say, “He is strange” and avoid him.
But his sensitivity makes him care about others. He is also incredibly strong and fast, surprising everyone with his abilities. He grows up to be a wonderful father and a truly appreciated friend, always there for the people he loves. He has a wonderful life, despite being “strange.”
Not all stories have happy endings
You've probably heard stories like those, but we also know that not all stories have happy endings. I am dedicated to ensuring that more stories evolve positively for the individuals you care about, giving them the foundation and skills to reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives.
Remember, it is often “the strange ones” that change the world for the better
The wrong Information
When a colleague or friend does something and you think, "What does that mean?” Here’s what often goes wrong:
We grow up with certain ideas of how others are “supposed” to be and how we are “supposed” to be. These ideas are formed by our parents, friends, media, religion, movies, jokes, and more. Even psychology can push certain ideas on us. But you know what? Those ideas are limiting and often scientifically wrong.
For instance, each person’s brain is far more unique than their fingerprints. Every person is completely unique, and just to add to the wonders of human interactions, every situation is
completely unique, even when we don’t notice it at first. No one is “the same as always.” No one is this or that “personality type.” No one is “normal.” This illusion limits everyone.
Why is this extra important?
Because it influences your entire life. and to drive the point home, let's start with what science tells us:
Women are not more emotional than men
Thinking that women, by definition, are more emotional than men is wrong. Research by neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett shows that emotions are not biologically hardwired but constructed from various sources, including individual experiences and social contexts. They vary more from person to person than from gender to gender.
You are not an introvert
Thinking that a person acts the same way all the time is wrong. Human behavior varies based on circumstances, mood, physiological states, and external influences, as highlighted by research in behavioral variability. Also, the people you are around influence your behavior.
Some people you enjoy talking to more than others, right?
All men are not the same
Thinking that "All men (or women) are all the same..." is wrong. Individuality in brain structure and neurochemistry means everyone has unique thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
No, that is not what that body language means
Thinking that a specific facial expression means the same for everyone is wrong. Neuroscientific work on emotion shows that facial expressions do not universally convey the same emotions across different cultures and individuals.
Change is not difficult
Thinking that change is difficult or painful is wrong. Neuroplasticity research by David Eagleman and others demonstrates that the brain can adapt and change throughout life, making transformation possible. Most people have just approached change the wrong way.
Many people do not know this and make important decisions based on wrong information. Examples of important decisions include whom you:
Want to work for
Hire to work for you
Do business with/buy products from
Get into a relationship with
Get married to
Have children with
Trust
By now, you might see that it is crucial to make important decisions based on correct information, and that requires a new approach, a new way of experiencing others.
First, realize that people change, lives change
Understanding and leveraging the unique individuality of each person can profoundly improve lives. This concept, known as "Changing Lives," offers a scientific and personalized approach to enhancing cognitive, emotional, and mental performance. By recognizing and adapting to individual differences, we can consistently explore new potential for personal growth and
well-being.
Benefits of understanding "changing lives"
Better Prepared for Change: The world changes, and people change. Either for the better or for the worse. "Changing Lives" makes you aware of this and better prepared.
Personalized Growth: Tailored approaches based on individual needs and characteristics.
Enhanced Cognitive Performance: Techniques to improve thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Emotional Regulation: Strategies to create better emotions and reactions.
Mental Well-being: Tools to boost overall mental health and resilience.
Improved Personal Relationships: Experiencing others in a way much closer to who they really are.
"Changing lives" and the scientific foundation
The approach of "Changing Lives" is grounded in cutting-edge research on neuroplasticity, the predictive nature of the brain, and the impact of social interactions and new information on behavior. Experts like Lisa Feldman Barrett, David Eagleman, and Anil Seth support these principles, demonstrating the brain’s capacity to adapt and change:
Predictive Brain: Anil Seth’s work highlights how the brain constantly predicts and updates its understanding of the world.
How the Brain Creates Emotions: Lisa Feldman Barrett explores how emotions are constructed and influenced by individual experiences.
Adaptive Brain: David Eagleman explains how the brain's adaptability can lead to significant personal transformations.
Supporting science
Individuality: Recognizes that each person has a unique brain structure and neurochemistry influencing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Unique Memories: Understanding that individual memories carry specific meanings that shape one's worldview and reactions.
Social Interactions: Highlights the profound impact of social interactions on feelings, beliefs, and actions, underscoring the social nature of humans.
Impact of New Information: New information can significantly alter emotional states and behaviors. This encompasses not only news media but also information from friends, managers, investors, co-workers, leaflets, social media, and more.
Communication Misunderstandings: Explains how misinterpretations in communication can affect relationships and emotional responses.
Behavioral Variability: Notes that behavior can vary based on circumstances, mood, physiological states, and external influences.
Sleep Influence: Emphasizes the importance of sleep quality and quantity on mood, cognitive functions, and behavior. Other factors like sunlight, nutrition, family relationships and more can have an equally big influence.
Neuroplasticity: Highlights the brain’s ability to change and adapt, enabling modifications in thoughts, behaviors, and emotional patterns, as detailed by David Eagleman and others.
Memory Modification and Reinterpretation: Explains how memories can be reinterpreted to foster personal growth and emotional healing, tailored to individual mind structures.
Human Consciousness: Human consciousness is an ever-changing perception influenced by input from our senses, both internal and external, combined with accessed memories and their current interpretation.
Opportunity for Change: Stresses the potential for deliberate, positive change in behavior, thought patterns, and emotional responses through the brain's unique adaptive capacity based on neuroplasticity.
Continuous Improvement: Reinforces the idea that personal evolution is ongoing and provides guidance on how to improve one's life.
The vision
At its core, "Changing Lives" seeks to explore the possibilities for improving people's lives by recognizing their unique individuality. This requires extraordinary flexibility and skill from the trainer to adapt their approach to each person's reality. The approach empowers individuals to harness their potential, providing a solid scientific foundation and the freedom to explore.
Realistic approach
Even though "Changing Lives" creates extraordinary results for people, it does not support the "anything is possible" or similar "magical" type of thinking. Instead, it focuses on what is realistically achievable given an individual's unique circumstances and potential. This practical approach helps individuals set achievable goals, making meaningful progress without unrealistic expectations.
Who created the concept of "changing lives"?
Leif Rasmussen, the developer of "Changing Lives," integrates the best scientific research with practical testing in individual and group settings. Leif specifically highlights that he is not a scientist or psychologist. Leif's unique approach stems from his genuine desire to explore and improve life and his belief that people would like to have the knowledge and skills to make the best decisions for their own lives. Leif, born in Denmark and now residing in Switzerland with his family, emphasizes flexibility and individuality in his methods, plus a touch of "I wonder if..?"
Conclusion
The "Changing Lives" concept offers a scientifically-backed, flexible framework for personal improvement. By focusing on individual differences and leveraging the brain's adaptive capabilities, it provides effective tools and strategies to optimize emotions, thinking, and behavior in any situation. These key points integrate the latest understanding of the human brain and individual differences in how we run our own minds, providing a robust foundation for "Changing Lives" and the approach.
If you need more detailed information on any of these aspects, feel free to ask!
Leif Rasmussen, Mind Skills Trainer
Some want to put you into a small box and label you. I want you to explore just how wonderful your life can be and I will give you the skills to do that.
References:
Barrett, L. F. (2017). How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain.
Boyce, P., & Parker, G. (2021). Personality can change from one hour to the next. Scientific American.
"Why two people see the same thing but have different memories." The Conversation. Eagleman, D. (2015). The Brain: The Story of You.
Seth, A. (2021). Being You: A New Science of Consciousness.
Barrett, L. F. (2017). How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain.
"Unique memories carry specific meanings that shape one's worldview and reactions." ScienceDaily.
"The profound impact of social interactions on feelings, beliefs, and actions." NCBI. "New information can significantly alter emotional states and behaviors." ScienceDirect. "Misinterpretations in communication can affect relationships and emotional responses." Scientific American.
"The importance of sleep quality and quantity on mood, cognitive functions, and behavior." NCBI.
"Memories can be reinterpreted to foster personal growth and emotional healing." National Geographic.
Seth, A. (2021). Being You: A New Science of Consciousness.
