Did you know that, just as you train your body, your brain can be trained to give you a better quality of life? The brain obeys certain pre-established or unconscious guidelines. That's why today I want to share some psychological strategies to train your brain toward positivity and greater effectiveness:

Trick for the paradox of choice:

Have you ever walked into a clothing store and felt overwhelmed by all the options? The same thing happens with everyday activities that our brains often cancel because they feel overwhelmed. When something similar happens, instead of thinking, "What should I do today?", redirect your brain toward simpler options: "Should I go for a walk or read?" This will help your brain decide faster and without stress.

Dopamine anchoring:

Combine a task you enjoy with one you hate (or don't particularly like) doing. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, motivation, and learning. If you associate something you enjoy, like a cup of coffee, listening to music, or a comfortable place, with pleasure, you can perform tasks you don't love: you might not enjoy exercising or spending time studying or reading, but you know they're good for you. Over time, your brain will associate pleasure with these other activities.

Expectancy effect:

Your brain loves to know it's right and will always look for evidence to support it. That's why you should talk to yourself with phrases like, "I'm going to really enjoy doing this," or "I'm sure this is going to turn out great." This works because of selective attention bias: you literally start to see what you believe.

The 90-second rule:

Our emotions only last 90 seconds unless we feed them with thoughts for longer. So if you get angry, be intentional about not fueling the feeling with more negative thoughts. Take a deep breath, visualize yourself calmly, and think, "This too shall pass."

The final peak rule:

We judge our experiences based on the most intense moment and the end, not the entire experience. That's why you can end your day with a note writing down three things you're grateful for, or a small victory. Your brain will remember your day even better than it was, erasing any negative feelings.

Remember, the mind is a garden you can cultivate. With these strategies, you're sowing the seeds of resilience, joy, and effectiveness. Choose one, nurture it with intention, and you'll see how you begin to cultivate your best self.

Yazmín Di Maio

Communication and People Development.

Coach, Speaker and Trainer Maxwell Leadership.