A neuroscientist's 5-step plan to upgrade your brain

"What is this magic ingredient? Some scientists call it a strategic mindset. Others term it metacognition. Whatever label you go with, the idea is straightforward enough. Metacognition is thinking about your thinking. It means not just doggedly pursuing your goals but questioning how you pursue them."

"If you're a student, that might mean evaluating your study techniques. Is rereading the text over and over the most efficient way to study? ( Science suggests not.) If you're playing poker, it could look like observing when you're letting emotion get in the way of a smart bet. Business leaders might not just ask, "Did I make the right decision?" but also, "Is there a smarter way to make similar decisions in the future?""

"This kind of strategic thinking can have big impacts, research out of Stanford and the National University of Singapore recently found. Scientists tested more than 850 volunteers chasing a variety of tough goals, from academic excellence to weight loss. The more study subjects employed metacognition, the more likely they were to reach their aims. The most successful people, in other words, weren't necessarily the smartest or the grittiest, though those abilities certainly help. They were the ones who thought about their own thinking, probing for ways to improve. That's interesting to know, but the finding isn't very useful for entrepreneurs unless it's a skill that can be taught. Helpfully, it can."

Metacognition is the process of thinking about one's own thinking and questioning how goals are pursued. Practical examples include evaluating study techniques, noticing when emotion affects decisions, and redesigning decision-making methods. Research from Stanford and the National University of Singapore tested more than 850 volunteers pursuing diverse goals, finding that greater use of metacognition increased the likelihood of achieving aims. The most successful individuals often used strategic self-reflection rather than relying solely on intelligence or grit. Metacognitive skills can be taught, enabling improved brain function and more efficient, effective progress toward goals.

Read at Fast Company