Reprogramming Beliefs and Brains for Goal Achievement

Deep Dive

The discussion begins by addressing fear, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it can manifest through job loss, financial decline, or setbacks in personal goals. John Assaraf explains that fear is a biological trigger, akin to a warning light on a car's dashboard, signaling real or imagined danger. He introduces the concept of two parts of the brain: the "Einstein brain" for rational thought and the "Frankenstein brain" which is activated by fear and prompts fight, freeze, or flight responses. To deactivate this fear response, Assaraf suggests "innercises," starting with "Take Six," which involves six slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system and reactivate the Einstein brain. This is followed by "AIA" -- Awareness of thoughts, emotions, feelings, sensations, or behaviors -- practiced without judgment, allowing for the setting of intentions and taking small, actionable steps toward desired goals, thus interrupting fear patterns and fostering freedom through choice.

The conversation then shifts to a personal story about John Assaraf's youth, detailing his involvement in criminal activities and his eventual encounter with a mentor, Mr. Allen Brown. Assaraf recounts being 19 years old, working a low-wage job and selling drugs, when his brother introduced him to Mr. Brown. During lunch, Mr. Brown challenged Assaraf's limited goals and presented him with a 1980 goal-setting guide. When Assaraf admitted his aspirations were influenced by television shows like "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," Mr. Brown posed a critical question: whether Assaraf was merely "interested" or "committed" to achieving his goals. He explained that interest leads to doing what is easy and convenient, while commitment involves doing whatever it takes, including upgrading knowledge, skills, beliefs, and habits. Assaraf's declaration of commitment led to Mr. Brown becoming his mentor and guiding him to move to Toronto and enroll in a real estate class, emphasizing that the goal and commitment come first, followed by figuring out the "how."

Assaraf then elaborates on his experience building successful companies, including achieving $1.2 billion in sales within five years for RE/MAX of Indiana, a feat previously unaccomplished by companies in the state for decades. He realized that his agents, despite receiving training in strategies, tactics, and sales skills, were not significantly increasing their production if they were making $30,000, $50,000, or $100,000 annually. This led him to understand that the missing element was not skills or knowledge, but something else at play. He discovered the power of priming the brain daily with beliefs and self-image required to achieve goals. By gathering 75 agents for an "inner game" training focused on affirmations, visualization, mindfulness, and meditation, and having them listen to audios of desired beliefs and self-image twice daily, their sales increased by $100 million in six months. This success, replicated across all agents, led to a jump from $1.2 billion to $4.5 billion in annual sales within four years, underscoring the impact of beliefs and a new self-image and identity.

The discussion delves into the nature of beliefs, explaining that humans are not born with them. From a neuroscience perspective, beliefs are reinforced patterns in the brain formed through experiences, words, and observations, transitioning from conscious to subconscious connections that run most of our actions. The subconscious mind is programmed from early childhood through imprinting, modeling, and experiential years. Empowering beliefs, such as being good enough, smart enough, or worthy, create coherence between the conscious and subconscious minds. Assaraf uses the analogy of learning a script for a movie: through conscious repetition and practice, a script on paper can become internalized and owned. Similarly, by imprinting desired beliefs into the subconscious mind through conscious repetition and other methods, one can achieve a "software upgrade" for the brain, resetting their default way of being.

Assaraf introduces visualization as a powerful "hack" for rewiring the brain, explaining it as simulation. By closing our eyes and using imagination, we activate significant brain centers connected to motor cortex and motivational circuits, releasing dopamine. Visualizing oneself achieving goals or behaving in accordance with new beliefs creates a mental movie in the subconscious mind. Consistent visualization, repeated over 66 to 365 days, can override old habitual circuits and replace them with new beliefs through neuroplasticity, as the brain conserves energy by automating reinforced patterns.

The concept of coherence is further explored, particularly in relation to the law of attraction. Assaraf clarifies that simply thinking and believing is insufficient; coherence means aligning one's electromagnetic spectrum with their desired vision, goals, beliefs, and emotions. This alignment activates the "Einstein brain" and potentially a "GPS part of our brain" that connects us to the tools, resources, and people resonating with that frequency. He suggests that by using our brains better, we can achieve seemingly impossible goals, tapping into interconnectedness and universal frequencies.

The discussion then moves to practical strategies for goal achievement, specifically vision boards and "accomplished boards." Assaraf explains that vision boards, or his "exceptional life blueprint," provide visual representations to trigger the occipital lobe and memory center, giving the brain specific instructions. The brain then acts as a deletion and distortion tool, focusing on what is important and eliminating distractions. An "accomplished board" is introduced as a way to celebrate past achievements, providing a reminder of capabilities when facing new challenges. Assaraf also discusses the "crap board," identifying four core hindrances to human progress: a vision larger than self-image, limiting beliefs, fear (of embarrassment, failure, or success), and lack of knowledge and skill. He suggests mastering change and becoming an "adaptationist" is crucial, as repeating old patterns makes future change harder.

Dr. Caroline Leaf then joins the conversation, introducing her five-step "Neurocycle" process for rewiring the mind. The process begins with gathering awareness of emotions, behaviors, physical sensations, and perspectives. This is followed by reflection to understand the "why" behind these signals. Step three involves writing or mind-mapping to bring order to the information gathered and reflected upon, facilitating introspection and insight into associated patterns. Step four focuses on reconceptualization and reconstruction, identifying triggers and patterns to develop strategies for healing and acceptance. The fifth step, "active reach," involves taking a specific action or using a technique, such as a visualization, statement, or affirmation, to maintain progress and focus on healing throughout the day. This cycle can be used for deconstructing trauma, reversing trauma, building brain health, or as a creative process for personal change.

Leaf explains that the Neurocycle can be applied to "brain building," which involves constructing knowledge and skills, such as learning for an exam or working towards a goal. She emphasizes that in 63 days, one can become a different human being by consistently applying this process. Assaraf shares his "highlight reel technique" for visualization, suggesting starting by recalling positive memories to easily engage the brain's existing wiring before moving to future goals. Leaf confirms this approach activates resilience, wisdom, and higher intelligence by creating a neurochemical state conducive to solution-finding.

The conversation touches upon