Arguing

Brainpower Newsletter

Do you like to argue? It is a temptation for many of us, a type of intellectual play, perhaps. Arguing is a good way to improve your mind in one way: its ability to win arguments. What is it not good for? Developing more effective thinking.

Try to avoid unnecessary arguments. Even when it is nothing more than a friendly debate, it can begin to limit your thinking. You see, when you defend a position too vigorously, especially when it is just to "win" the argument, you invest your ego into it. This is not conducive to the easy acceptance and use of new information.

When I was in fifth grade, we were assigned a brand of toilet paper. We had to compare it with others, and explain our findings. I think this was supposed to teach us to analyze and reason. Since it was a somewhat competitive thing, though, with each team defending a different brand, it just taught us to rationalize why our brand was best.

The interesting thing is that in doing our work and preparing our report, we came to believe our reasoning. Our little group of ten-year-olds suddenly had an opinion about toilet paper, and really believed that we had somehow been assigned the "best" brand. This is what happens when you defend a position. You put blinders on.

You put your mind in a rut, and you dig it deeper with each argument. Debate can be a valuable thing, but when the ego takes over, the mind closes a little. This is not a recipe for better thinking.

If you must argue - there are times when you might need to - at least balance your thinking. Argue from the other side too, at least in your mind. In fact, try to see the issue from several perspectives if you can. This doesn't mean that you have to change your opinion, but that you will be able to if the facts say you should. That is more effective thinking.

Looking back on that school lesson, I think we should have been instructed to do a second presentation. In that one, we could point out all the problems with our brand. We might have learned a little about the unreliability of our thinking when ego enters the game.

Eat fish. Eating fish actually speeds up brain waves, and improves concentration. Researchers have also found an almost perfect correlation between intake of fish and lowered levels of depression in the various countries of the world. The U.S. has 24 times the incidence of depression as Japan, for example, where fish intake is much higher.

Play. Stimulating the brain causes measurable changes in the structure of the brain. New connections are made and new brain cells are grown. Intellectual play, as well as any playing that involves hand-eye coordination stimulates the brain.

Temperature. Many people have noted that they think better at certain temperatures. In general, it seems that being slightly cool, but not uncomfortable, is most conducive to good thinking. Try experimenting on yourself to see what temperature works best for you.

Avoid foods that cause subtle allergies. These can include wheat, corn, peanuts and dairy products. Watch yourself to see if you have a problem with any of these. They cause digestive problems and brain fog in some people.

These were excerpted from Secrets Of Mind Power, a bonus when you buy "You Aren't Supposed To Know - A Book Of Secrets." To learn more about the book, use the link below.

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Breath

Finally, I have said it many times before, but we all need reminding, so: Remember to breath! The cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to better brainpower is to sit up straight right now, close your mouth, and take several deep breaths through your nose. Try it.

Until next time,

Steve

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