In this episode of BrainWise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon delve into the concept of purpose, one of the brain's five driving forces. They discuss how purpose impacts motivation, performance, and health, and share personal anecdotes reflecting their own experiences with purpose. The conversation touches on mastery, self-actualization, values alignment, passion, challenges, artistic expression, spirituality, and the drive to seek truth. They conclude the episode with actionable advice and reflection questions to help listeners uncover or redefine their purpose and better decode their lives. Feel free to reach out by emailing questions@mybrainwisecoach.com with any questions or to share your insights—we're eager to hear from you!

Key BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways:

1. Recognize the Importance of Purpose: Having a clear mission or purpose is crucial for the brain's motivation and overall health. It's linked to living a happier and more fulfilling life.
2. Mastery Drives Purpose: The pursuit of mastery in any field fuels a strong sense of purpose. Whether it's carpentry, cooking, or leadership, dedicating time and effort to improve skills can significantly enhance personal satisfaction.
3. Align Values with Actions: When personal values align with those of our relationships or organizations, it creates a harmonious environment. Misalignment, however, can lead to stress and dissatisfaction.
4. Embrace the Role of Spirituality: Spiritual beliefs can provide a significant anchor for defining purpose, offering guiding principles and a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself.
5. Navigate Through Challenges: How we respond to challenges can define our leadership journey and strengthen our purpose. Facing adversity with resilience builds character and reinforces commitment to purpose.

1. Cultivate Artistic Expression: Creativity is inherent in everyone and plays a crucial role in self-fulfillment. Artistic pursuits, whether traditional or unconventional, can contribute profoundly to our understanding of purpose.
2. Passion Fuels Purpose: Think of purpose as a compass and passion as the energy that propels us towards our goals. Cultivating passion can energize the journey towards fulfilling our purpose.
3. Reinventing Purpose: Life stages and experiences may require us to redefine our purpose. It's essential to continuously assess and realign with what feels meaningful to us.
4. Curiosity as a Driver: Maintaining curiosity allows continual growth and adaptation, helping refine our understanding and pursuit of purpose over time.
5. Engage in Reflection: Regular reflection on one's purpose helps identify necessary adjustments, ensuring it remains aligned with current life perspectives and goals.

00:00 Introduction and Host Catch-Up

03:01 BrainWise Moments of the Week

06:53 Diving into Purpose

09:56 The Importance of Mastery

12:45 Self-Actualization and Curiosity

16:06 Aligning Personal and Organizational Values

19:38 Purpose and Passion

22:02 The Impact of Challenges on Motivation

24:20 Artistic Expression and Creativity

28:32 The Role of Spirituality in Purpose

30:59 The Search for Truth and Its Impact

34:05 Motivation and Purpose in Life

37:57 Reflecting on Purpose and Future Goals

41:52 Final Thoughts and Reflection Questions

In this episode of BrainWise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon delve into the third driving force of the brain: prediction. They discuss why the brain craves certainty and how it reacts to uncertainty in both personal and professional contexts. Through real-life examples and personal anecdotes, they explore the impact of predictability on emotional states, decision-making, and relationships. The episode also touches on the importance of setting expectations, managing change, and the brain's tendency to fill in gaps when it can't make sense of something. Listeners are provided with reflection questions to further understand their own need for certainty and how it influences their behavior.

The Brain's Need for Prediction and Certainty

1. Certainty Over Ambiguity: Our brains thrive on certainty, often preferring negative certainty over ambiguity. This preference helps us maintain a sense of control and safeguard our survival.
2. Control and Pain Management: Giving people control over their experiences, even small ones like self-administered pain relief in hospitals, can lead to significant psychological and physiological benefits, such as reduced anxiety and lower pain medication use.
3. Uncertainty in Vulnerability: Opening up emotionally is often met with significant uncertainty, which can be difficult for the brain to process. This need for control can inhibit vulnerability and intimate connections in both personal and professional relationships.
4. The Certainty of Negative Outcomes: Some individuals use negative prediction as a coping mechanism, anticipating the worst to prevent disappointment. This behavior can create a protective buffer for expected outcomes.
5. Routine vs. Spontaneity: People vary in their tolerance for routine and spontaneous change. While some thrive in structured environments, others find joy in adaptability and improvisation, highlighting the diverse ways our brains handle predictability.
6. Perfectionism and Prediction: Perfectionists often seek certainty through control and meticulous planning, which may ease anxiety but also hinder creativity and adaptive learning.
7. Workplace Dynamics: Understanding employee needs for prediction can improve management practices. Offering timelines for decisions or projects can alleviate anxiety and provide employees with a sense of stability.
8. The Role of Dialogue in Certainty: Effective communication is crucial, whether at home or work. Setting clear expectations and engaging in open dialogue can reduce uncertainty and build trust.
9. Decision-Making Styles: Different individuals have unique approaches to decision-making that reflect their need for certainty. Some prefer to "look before they leap," while others believe "he who hesitates is lost."
10. Authenticity and Trust: Being transparent about uncertainties and expectations fosters authenticity and trust in relationships. This practice helps create an environment where individuals feel secure and understood.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:04 BrainWise Moments and Humor

03:03 Weekend Activities and Personal Updates

06:29 Transition and Uncertainty

07:19 The Brain's Need for Prediction

09:00 Dealing with Change and Creativity

21:08 Control and Setting Expectations

27:18 Salad Bar Expectations

28:27 Walmart Checkout Confusion

30:57 Impulsivity and Decision Making

32:20 Control and Patient Experience

34:08 Perfectionism in Work and Relationships

38:28 Handling Unplanned Change

47:25 Reflection and Final Thoughts

In this episode of BrainWise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon introduce their first guest, Dr. Susan Larson, a special education expert from Minneapolis. Susan shares her extensive experience working with individuals with neurobehavioral differences, particularly autism. The conversation explores personal stories, challenges, and sensory sensitivities faced by people on the autism spectrum. Key takeaways include practical advice on creating supportive environments, understanding sensory processing, and fostering better communication. Reflection questions encourage listeners to consider their own interactions and responses to neurodivergence, emphasizing compassion and individualized support.

Key BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways

1. Recognize Behavioral Signals: Behavior is a form of communication. When supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, pay attention to behavioral changes as they may indicate discomfort or a need for assistance.
2. Sensory Considerations: Many neurodivergent individuals experience heightened sensory processing. Reducing sensory overload, such as by avoiding strong scents or fluorescent lighting, can create a more comfortable environment.
3. Approaching with Compassion: Practice empathy and patience when interacting with neurodivergent individuals, understanding that their reactions may differ from neurotypical expectations.
4. Communication Preferences: To effectively communicate feedback or instructions, ask neurodivergent individuals their preferred communication style—whether it's written, verbal, or movement-based.
5. Silence as a Tool: Sometimes, the best way to support someone experiencing sensory overload is to reduce verbal interaction and give them space to self-regulate.
6. Weighted Objects for Comfort: Tools like weighted blankets or vests can offer calming proprioceptive input, helping individuals regulate their sensory systems.
7. Advocate for Inclusion: Create inclusive environments by acknowledging and accommodating neurological differences in work, education, and social settings.
8. Recognize Fight or Flight Responses: Understand that neurodivergent brains might process perceived threats differently, leading to fight or flight responses in seemingly benign situations.
9. Behavioral Curiosity: Adopt a mindset of curiosity rather than judgment when encountering challenging behaviors. Asking "What is this behavior telling us?" can lead to more compassionate interventions.
10. Focus on Connection Over Compliance: Prioritize building relationships and understanding over enforcing strict compliance to set norms, fostering a more inclusive environment.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:42 Susan Larson's Background and Journey

01:31 Phil and Susan's First Meeting

03:38 BrainWise and Brain Unwise Moments

08:16 Diving into Autism and Neurodivergence

19:33 Sensory Integration and Autism

23:50 Real-Life Stories and Experiences

33:39 Adjusting Approaches for Sensory Needs

34:27 Strategies for Supporting Individuals on theSpectrum

36:37 Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers

39:30 Workplace Accommodations and Feedback

43:01 Understanding and Responding to Dysregulation

50:54 Behavior as Communication

54:31 Curiosity and Problem-Solving

59:23 Reflection and Summary

In this episode of BrainWise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon explore the second of the five driving forces of the brain: participation. They discuss the importance of being part of a group, the effects of social rejection, the balance between fitting in and standing out, and how power and altruism play into our social dynamics. They also delve into the roots of self-doubt and the imposter syndrome. The episode includes reflection questions to help listeners better understand their own needs for participation and inclusion.

Key BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways

1. The Foundation of Trust: Trust is pivotal for creating a safe and inclusive environment. When we feel trusted and accepted, we're more relaxed and willing to contribute. Conversely, a lack of trust triggers our brain's threat responses.
2. Understanding Social Rejection: Rejection and exclusion activate the same brain regions as physical pain, making it a real and impactful experience. This underlines the importance of fostering inclusive environments to mitigate feelings of rejection.
3. Group vs. Individual Dynamics: We all fall somewhere on the spectrum of preferring group collaboration versus individual work. It's crucial to find your optimal balance to enhance both personal satisfaction and productivity.
4. Balancing Inclusion and Individuality: While we strive to be part of groups, we also desire to stand out. This paradox can be managed by finding environments where individuality is celebrated as part of group identity.
5. Managing Imposter Syndrome: Many people experience fears of being seen as incompetent. Recognizing and addressing these fears can help you gain confidence and share your voice with others.
6. Power and Influence: Despite often denying it, many of us seek influence and status as a way to control our environments. Understanding this drive can help you navigate social and professional settings more effectively.
7. The Joy of Altruism: Helping others releases dopamine in our brains, making altruism a feel-good experience. Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also enhance our own well-being.
8. Team Dynamics and Rules of Engagement: Establishing clear rules for group interactions can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone feels valued and heard.
9. Role of Leadership in Development: As leaders, we have a responsibility to nurture growth and development in others, moving beyond mere task management to truly empowering our teams.
10. Courage in Participation: Courage isn't the absence of doubt; it's showing up despite it. Understanding your motivations can help you contribute more confidently and authentically.

11. 
    

In episode five of Brainwise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon delve into the first of the five driving forces of the brain: protection. They discuss personal life updates, including Cole’s kitchen remodel and preparations for a professional transition, and introduce the concept of allostatic load. The episode explores the myriad ways in which the brain’s need for protection impacts behaviors, both consciously and unconsciously, in professional and personal contexts. Key topics include the Ladder of Inference, psychological safety, the fight-flight-freeze response, the influence of early life experiences, and practical strategies for managing reactions to perceived threats. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and consider actionable steps to build a safer environment for themselves and others.

Key BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways

1. Non-Conscious Protection Drive: Many of our protective behaviors are non-conscious reactions aimed at ensuring our survival. Recognizing these automatic responses helps manage them better.
2. Allostatic Load: This term describes the cumulative burden of stress and life events. Being aware of your allostatic load can help you recognize when you're overwhelmed and in need of self-care.
3. Fight, Flight, Freeze, Tend and Befriend, Faint: These are our natural responses to threats. Understanding which is your default can help you manage reactions more effectively.
4. Cortisol's Impact: When stressed, our brains release cortisol, impairing functions like empathy and rational thinking. Recognizing a cortisol flush moment can guide you to pause and reassess.
5. Silence as a Tool: In conversations, silence can provide space for reflective processing, avoiding impulsively filling gaps and enhancing understanding.
6. Empathy to Signal Safety: Demonstrating empathy creates a psychological safe space. Validate feelings with clear, empathetic statements, avoiding transitional phrases that negate empathy.
7. Journal for Self-Awareness: Keeping a journal helps identify and reflect on protection patterns, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
8. Psychological Safety at Work: Teams that feel psychologically safe are more innovative and effective. Encourage open communication and express validation to foster a secure environment.
9. Trust Building: Trust is crucial for safety in relationships. Start with a full trust bucket, address breaches through honest discussion, and prioritize keeping communication open.
10. Present Moment Awareness: When triggered, grounding yourself in the present moment helps reduce unnecessary protective behaviors by realizing the immediate environment's safety.

In this episode of BrainWise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon conclude their discussion on the five non-conscious dynamics of the brain by focusing on stress, change, and rhythms. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips for managing stress, understanding and adapting to change, and honoring the brain's natural rhythms. Strategies like deep breathing, creating circuit breakers, and respecting daily and circadian rhythms are discussed. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing how these dynamics affect our mood and performance, and provides reflection questions to help listeners apply these concepts in their lives.

Key BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways

1. Embrace Optimal Stress: Identify when you are under optimal stress and work on staying within that zone. Too much or too little stress can impair performance.
2. Deep Breathing for Stress Management: Incorporating two minutes of deep breathing can reduce stress and prepare you to handle challenges effectively, enhancing your emotional resilience for the day.
3. Visual Circuit Breakers: Develop a mental image or "happy place" you can focus on to interrupt stress in the moment, providing an immediate circuit breaker for heightened emotions.
4. Channel Change Positively: Acknowledge and grieve the losses associated with change to transition more smoothly and gain a more positive perspective on new opportunities.
5. Honor Natural Rhythms: Identify your peak times of productivity—whether you're an "owl" or a "lark"—to maximize efficiency and creativity during those periods.
6. Recognize Personal Rhythms: Use the 90-minute energy cycle by working in bursts and taking breaks to maintain productivity throughout the day.
7. Reframe Stressful Situations: Use reframing to see challenges as learning opportunities rather than failures, shifting your stress about change to a positive narrative.
8. Practice Gratitude: Reflect on what you're grateful for each day to maintain a positive mindset, even amid stress and change.
9. Avoid Unnecessary Hustle: Create a schedule that respects your mental and physical limits. Remind yourself that optimizing and valuing quality over quantity leads to better outcomes.
10. Ask for Support: In times of change, seek help by asking others how they can support you. This fosters empathy and understanding, making transitions smoother.

11. 
    

In this episode of BrainWise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon dive into the second dynamic of the non-conscious brain: irrationality. They explore how irrational the non-conscious mind drives behavior and how it often leads us to act against our best interests. The discussion covers real-life examples, such as the ultimatum game, framing effects, social proof, and the power of language in shaping decisions. Phil and Cole provide actionable advice on recognizing and managing these irrational tendencies in both personal and professional contexts. Listeners are provided with reflection questions to better understand their own irrational behaviors and enhance their decision-making.

BrainWise Episode Summary & Tips of the Week:

1. Recognize the Power of Fairness: Our emotional response to perceived fairness or injustice can heavily influence decision-making. Awareness of this can help mitigate impulsive reactions.
2. The Influence of Language: Framing and metaphors can dramatically shape our decisions. Being mindful of language can promote more rational outcomes.
3. Embrace Emotional Intelligence: Responding instead of reacting fosters better decision-making. Emotional intelligence can help navigate irrational impulses.
4. The Anchoring Effect: Be aware of the first piece of information you receive; it often anchors and influences subsequent decisions. Recognizing this effect can lead to more balanced decisions.
5. Understanding Social Proof: We are heavily influenced by the actions and approvals of others. Acknowledging this can help you resist undue influence and make more independent decisions.
6. Consistency as a Cognitive Anchor: While consistency provides stability, it can also limit growth. Questioning whether consistency aligns with your current goals can promote development.
7. Value Emotional States: Positive emotional states can counteract biased and irrational decisions. Cultivating positivity can serve as a cognitive reset during decision-making processes.
8. Encourage Self-Reflection: Journaling and self-reflection can illuminate patterns of irrational behavior, paving the way for conscious decision-making.

9. 
   

In Episode 2 of 'BrainWise: Our Lives, Decoded,' hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon delve into biases, habits, and patterns—one of the five dynamics of the non-conscious brain. The discussion ranges from personal anecdotes about kitchen remodels and holiday celebrations to deeper insights into how biases form and affect decision-making. They introduce the concept of 'BrainWise' and 'BrainUnwise' moments, recommending practical strategies like journaling, deep breathing, and the buddy system to help listeners become more self-aware. Focusing on bias, they explore social, cognitive, and neurodiversity biases, explaining how these can manifest in the workplace and everyday life. The episode also covers the formation of habits and how stress can trigger them, as well as how to change old habits using an ‘if-then’ strategy. Lastly, they discuss long-term patterns and how awareness of these can lead to positive life changes. To wrap up, they leave listeners with reflective questions to help decode their own lives and improve their decision-making processes.

Key BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways

1. Acknowledge the Presence of Biases: Everyone has biases; acknowledging them is the first step toward managing their influence. Tools like the Implicit Association Test can help uncover unconscious biases.
2. Use Deep Breathing to Reset: Taking two minutes for deep breathing can prepare your brain to handle stress more effectively. Doing this regularly can even increase your threshold for dealing with stress over time.
3. Reflect on Behavioral Patterns: Regular reflection can help you identify patterns in behavior. Journaling can be a powerful tool to track and analyze these patterns, helping you understand their origins and impacts.
4. Develop Instant Habits: To change a habit, create an "if-then" statement that introduces a new action and associate it with a positive outcome. Repetition and awareness are key.
5. Understand Cognitive Bias Types: Biases such as confirmation bias, which makes us favor information that aligns with our existing beliefs, can drastically shape our decision-making processes.
6. Positive Emotional State as a Disruptor: Being in a positive emotional state helps reduce bias-driven decisions. Positivity serves as a cognitive equalizer, promoting clearer thinking.
7. Patterns Over Time: Identifying long-term patterns can help you understand recurring behaviors and make adjustments to foster more positive outcomes.
8. Stress and the Brain's Braking System: When stressed, the brain's prefrontal cortex, which acts as a brake on impulsive behavior, can become less effective, allowing old habits and biases to resurface.
9. Create Connections Through Awareness: Becoming aware of your biases and habits can enhance your relationships by fostering deeper understanding and connection.
10. Extend Awareness to Action: Use the knowledge of biases, habits, and patterns to take actionable steps towards personal growth and improved interactions with others.