What if everything you thought you knew about personal change was wrong? Michael Lopez, author of the Amazon bestselling book "Change: Six Science-Backed Strategies to Transform Your Brain, Body and Behavior," shatters conventional wisdom with science-backed insights that revolutionize how we approach transformation.

Drawing from his diverse background as a consultant, intelligence officer, athlete, and youth coach, Lopez reveals why most change efforts fail despite our best intentions. The problem isn't lack of motivation—it's that we're working against our brain's natural mechanisms rather than with them.

The conversation explores fascinating neuroscience concepts in accessible terms. Lopez explains that after age 25, our brains stop creating new neurons but can repurpose existing neural pathways—like deer creating trails through a forest by walking the same paths repeatedly. This means successful change requires not just adding new behaviors but consciously identifying what we'll give up to create space.

Most surprising is Lopez's perspective on stress. While chronic stress harms us, intentionally exposing ourselves to short-term, managed discomfort actually strengthens our anterior cingulate cortex—the brain region responsible for doing hard things. This explains why athletes often demonstrate exceptional mental toughness and why challenging ourselves regularly builds our capacity for change.

Whether you're a leader guiding organizational transformation, an athlete pushing performance boundaries, or simply someone wanting to break stubborn habits, Lopez offers practical strategies that work with your brain's natural processes. His approach isn't about willpower or motivation tricks—it's about understanding the biological foundations of change and leveraging them for lasting transformation.

Ready to develop change as a lifelong skill? This episode illuminates the path forward with the profound question: "Who might you be on the other side of what you're afraid of?"

Connect with Michael:

Personal Website

Book

LinkedIn

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