MIND MASTERY How Brain Power and Focus Make You Happier and Luckier by Grandmaster Jessie Bowen I’ve just finished publishing my second book of the year, stuck at home while going through a pandemic, feeling a little burnt out and even bored. It’s easy to reach that state due to mental fatigue, but when you realize what’s happening to you mentally and physically, you can make the change. As the song by Bobby McFerrin goes, “don’t worry, be happy.” This article focuses on using brainpower and focus to make you happier and luckier. It is common in self-help literature to hear that being more confident, believing in yourself, and regularly thinking positive thoughts can all help you feel happier and even influence your life in a positive way. But here’s another factor you might not have considered: brainpower. Did you know that mental focus, creativity, sharpness, and more could help make you happier and even luckier? Those who are more positive and happier tend to notice opportunities more because they are less stressed. Likewise, effective use of CBT requires mental discipline, which in turn needs energy and focus. If you’re groggy and easily distracted, you won’t be able to exert the necessary discipline to change those negative thoughts. So, how do you boost your brainpower? One way to quickly upgrade your brain is to give it more energy. We’ve seen how sleep can help with this, but you can also do it through the right diet and supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids, for instance, help improve brain cell permeability, which aids rapid communication, and thus, brainpower. Similarly, studies have shown that creatine, a supplement that athletes use to increase cellular energy, is capable of improving focus and IQ. The brain training games the dual n-back test, can improve working memory and pattern recognition—critical for seeing and noticing those opportunities. Most important of all, though, is to learn how to get into a “flow state,” which is that mental state where everything just seems effortless. In this situation, your brain floods itself with the neurotransmitters dopamine, anandamide, and norepinephrine, which work together to further enhance pattern recognition, reflexes, attention, and creativity. How do you trigger these flow states? You convince your brain that what you’re doing is hugely important. And you can achieve this through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (which you now understand), as well as by simply being highly passionate about what you do—by loving your job and your partner. If you found this article to be helpful, please share it. I’ve been truly blessed in all levels of my life. My goal is to share with others so they, too, may prosper. Check out two of my signature programs for personal development and corporate coaching. “The New You Program” is a combination of information and installation. The information is designed to teach you how to understand yourself, set goals, overcome setbacks, and create the right attitude and motivation. The program trains you on how to “model” the habits, attitudes, skills, and strategies of highly successful people. The second program, “Mindset for Success,” is a powerful online course to support my new “Goal Setting: Fundamental Keys to Success” book. https://amzn.to/31Lb2jo If you need coaching support, you can email me at elitecorporatecoaching@gmail.com or call 919-618-8075. GRANDMASTER JESSIE BOWEN is president of Karate International of Durham, Inc., a member of the American <strong>Martial</strong> <strong>Arts</strong> Association Sport Karate League and Hall of Fame, and has been a member of the Duke University PE Staff for over 25 years. He is the author of Zen Mind-Body Mindfulness Meditation and Zen Mind-Body Mindfulness Meditation for <strong>Martial</strong> <strong>Arts</strong>, as well as several other books, programs, and audio CDs on meditation and success training. 12 MARTIAL ARTS WORLD NEWS VOLUME <strong>22</strong> | ISSUE 1 Photograph by Arthit_Longwilai
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