10.4. JACK CANFIELD: SEMINAL WORKS ON PERSONAL OPTIMIZATION

According to the results of a famous NASA experiment, it takes 30 days to permanently rewire your brain. Astronauts had to wear goggles that turned everything in their view upside down. After a few days, they were able to learn their new "upside down" environment so they could effectively move about. After 30 days, the rewiring in their brains became permanent so they could go back to a normal view, but then be able to put on the "upside down" goggles and still move about with ease. The astronauts who took their "upside down" goggles off after 15 days and then put them back on after a few days had to relearn how to move in their upside-down world. They could not just move about with the same ease that the astronauts who had worn the goggles for 30 days were able to. This proved that it took 30 days to rewire the brain permanently. The findings carry a broader message, which is that we are capable of massive change in any area we choose, but we must practice this change for 30 uninterrupted days to make it permanent. Most people do not consistently practice something they wish to change about themselves for 30 days straight, but that is what it takes. Anyone can make positive changes within themselves if they institute whatever it is they wish to change about themselves into their lives for 30 days.

Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul (HCI, 2001), among many other noteworthy books, suggests focusing on your ...

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