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Treating the brain right is essential for maintaining its superpowers as we age. Despite the belief that mental and physical skills decline over time, recent research shows that they can actually be preserved and even improved through proper treatment. By adopting a play-based learning approach, engaging in challenging and creative activities, and participating in novel outdoor environments, older adults can tap into new levels of intelligence, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and wisdom. Emotional regulation, along with regular engagement in physical activities that cover strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and agility, are key to unlocking and maintaining these cognitive superpowers.
Getting into a flow state, which maximizes performance, can be achieved through certain strategies. In sports like tennis, novelty, creativity, and risk-taking can help athletes experience flow and perform at their best. By focusing on the present moment, managing emotions, and quickly letting go of negative thoughts or failures, athletes can enhance their ability to enter flow states during competitive matches. Additionally, creating a balance between challenge and skill, and seeking out playful and unpredictable activities can support the flow experience. Engaging in these practices can not only boost confidence but also enhance overall performance.
Confidence plays a crucial role in performance, and building cognitive reserve can contribute to overall confidence levels. Cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to maintain cognitive function despite age-related changes. Lifelong learning, expertise, and wisdom are key factors in developing cognitive reserve. These aspects create diffuse neural networks throughout the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-order thinking skills. By continuously learning, acquiring expertise, and seeking wisdom, individuals can bolster their cognitive reserve, leading to increased confidence and enhanced cognitive abilities as they age.
Improving leg strength has a direct correlation with golf ability. Leg strength provides increased balance, stability, and the ability to move in various directions. This, in turn, significantly boosts confidence in golf performance. Studies on this particular correlation are limited, but personal testimonials support the positive impact of leg strength on golf skills.
Deliberate play, which involves repetition with improvisation or creative interpretation, outperforms deliberate practice in many skills. Playfulness increases the release of endorphins, which promotes positive emotions and enhances learning and memory. It also stimulates the anterior cingulate cortex, allowing for the discovery of new ideas and connections. Deliberate play is especially effective for improving performance and skill acquisition in a safe and enjoyable manner.
Steven Kotler believes that middle-aged adults are better learners than kids, and he has the Ivy League studies to back it up.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kotler, the bestselling author of Gnar Country: Growing Ould, Staying Rad, and a true expert in the field of peak performance and human potential.
In Gnar Country, Kotler explores the world of extreme sports and the science behind what drives these athletes to push themselves to their limits. But what's really interesting is how this knowledge can be applied to all of us, no matter our pursuits.
During our conversation, Kotler introduced the concept of "dynamic deliberate play," which involves taking on new challenges and exploring the unknown with a sense of curiosity and creativity. He also talked about how this kind of play can lead to a state of "flow," which is when we're completely absorbed in the activity we're engaged in and time seems to fly by.
Kotler also discussed the idea of "peak performance aging," which is the notion that we can continue to improve and achieve our goals well into our later years. He shared the latest research on how our brains and bodies age, and how we can use this knowledge to stay healthy, happy, and productive as we get older. Kotler's compiled research suggests that 'cognitive superpowers' exist which aren't neurologically available to younger humans, but there are four conditions required in order to tap into those abilities:
We covered a lot of ground in this interview, from the science of flow to the keys to achieving your goals, and everything in between. So, whether you're an athlete, a professional, or just someone who wants to live your best life, you won't want to miss this conversation with Steven Kotler. Tune in to learn about the power of dynamic deliberate play and how it can help you achieve your full potential, no matter what your age.
Visit the Gnar Country website
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Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts:
Follow me on social media:
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