https://rickbaker.ca/category/brain-about-the-human-brain/ Rick Baker's Thought Posts — plain-spoken writing on leadership, business values, communication, habits, and the people side of building a business. Publishing since 2008. en-ca https://rickbaker.ca/post/perception-is-realityand-perceptions-change-over-time-taking-reality-with-them/https://rickbaker.ca/post/perception-is-realityand-perceptions-change-over-time-taking-reality-with-them/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 07:05:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Perceptions are fragile things. Our perceptions are partial, filtered, skewed... Even some of our most-vivid and most-believed… https://rickbaker.ca/post/yes-it-can-be-difficultthats-why-its-called-work/https://rickbaker.ca/post/yes-it-can-be-difficultthats-why-its-called-work/Wed, 16 Jun 2021 07:49:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet But, Difficult should not mean Unpleasant . Physically-difficult work burns up energy in muscles, etc. It strengthens the… https://rickbaker.ca/post/other-people-prefer-it-when-you-are-present-minded-rather-than-absent-minded-focus/https://rickbaker.ca/post/other-people-prefer-it-when-you-are-present-minded-rather-than-absent-minded-focus/Sun, 16 May 2021 07:52:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'Getting present' is a Focus exercise...a mind-process of narrowing and fixing attention. 'Staying present' is a Concentration… https://rickbaker.ca/post/inspiration-is-the-music-of-creative-intelligence/https://rickbaker.ca/post/inspiration-is-the-music-of-creative-intelligence/Fri, 14 May 2021 07:39:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our gift of creative intelligence must be there to inspire ourselves and others. Our intuition is a special gift, with deep… https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-troubles-consume-your-thoughts-remember-your-tooth-will-cease-aching-if-your-house-is-afire/https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-troubles-consume-your-thoughts-remember-your-tooth-will-cease-aching-if-your-house-is-afire/Sat, 27 Feb 2021 07:34:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Your tooth will cease aching if your house is afire... " Frank Channing Haddock made that point in his 1910 classic, ' Power… https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-know-you-need-to-take-small-side-steps-to-get-out-of-a-bad-habit-ruts/https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-know-you-need-to-take-small-side-steps-to-get-out-of-a-bad-habit-ruts/Fri, 05 Feb 2021 07:02:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Habits exist in loops of brain circuitry. [Or, at least, that's a description that allows us to understand and address Habits.]… https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-is-no-set-reality-reality-is-but-what-we-make-of-it-nothing-more-nothing-less-unless-we-ask-for-anothers-view-perception/https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-is-no-set-reality-reality-is-but-what-we-make-of-it-nothing-more-nothing-less-unless-we-ask-for-anothers-view-perception/Thu, 04 Feb 2021 07:15:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Along the lines of ' perception is reality ' and 'don't assume, ask questions'...and much more. https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-criticize-people-their-brains-scream-no-and-constructive-communication-is-over/https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-criticize-people-their-brains-scream-no-and-constructive-communication-is-over/Fri, 25 Dec 2020 07:37:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet When 'No' thoughts are filling the brain there is little room for 'Yes" thoughts. In fact, chances are 'No' and 'Yes' thoughts… https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-we-have-a-choice-multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence/https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-we-have-a-choice-multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence/Sun, 13 Dec 2020 07:24:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Brain experts are telling us: The uptrend in multi-tasking , especially multi-tasking involving high-tech communication… https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-is-the-human-bodys-most-energy-intensive-process/https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-is-the-human-bodys-most-energy-intensive-process/Thu, 10 Dec 2020 07:31:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet The brain accounts for 20% of the body's energy use. And, nothing consumes more brain energy that the exercising of willpower … https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-busier-we-are-the-less-we-rememberdont-fight-ituse-check-lists/https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-busier-we-are-the-less-we-rememberdont-fight-ituse-check-lists/Fri, 27 Nov 2020 07:49:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Writing things down: it's a simple thing to do...it's also a powerful strategy for aiding memory and a powerful tactic for… https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-laymans-mindfulness-use-more-noggin-do-less-sloggin-2020/https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-laymans-mindfulness-use-more-noggin-do-less-sloggin-2020/Sun, 01 Nov 2020 07:19:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Mind Your Behaviour: use a little more brain, have a lot less pain. https://rickbaker.ca/post/unresolved-lingering-problems-gnaw-away-at-brain-energy-attack-problems-and-pluck-that-destructive-power-away-from-them/https://rickbaker.ca/post/unresolved-lingering-problems-gnaw-away-at-brain-energy-attack-problems-and-pluck-that-destructive-power-away-from-them/Sat, 31 Oct 2020 07:04:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet The brain represents 2% of body mass while it consumes 20% of body energy. The brain is 'energy intensive'. Much brain energy… https://rickbaker.ca/post/most-people-tend-to-express-problems-in-ways-that-do-not-reveal-the-true-source-of-their-pain/https://rickbaker.ca/post/most-people-tend-to-express-problems-in-ways-that-do-not-reveal-the-true-source-of-their-pain/Thu, 22 Oct 2020 07:55:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet And most people reply to such cries for help with cries for help. [a helpful message from Eckhardt Tolle] It's all about the… https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-contains-a-blend-of-imaginative-disciplined-thinking/https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-contains-a-blend-of-imaginative-disciplined-thinking/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 07:20:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Creativity versus Logic. Entrepreneurship versus Big Business. Rock Logic versus Water Logic. Einstein versus Socrates. The… https://rickbaker.ca/post/educate-your-brain-dont-just-stuff-it-full-of-facts-and-demand-it-work-harder-mould-it-so-it-does-a-good-job-of-thinking/https://rickbaker.ca/post/educate-your-brain-dont-just-stuff-it-full-of-facts-and-demand-it-work-harder-mould-it-so-it-does-a-good-job-of-thinking/Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:57:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you are thrilled with the way your mind and brain are serving you...terrific! If you are not thrilled - take your mind to a… https://rickbaker.ca/post/multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence-thats-the-choice-focus/https://rickbaker.ca/post/multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence-thats-the-choice-focus/Sat, 08 Aug 2020 07:39:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Can this common sense [backed by brain science] withstand the urgencies of your day? Focus & concentration bring excellence… https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-thin-skull-allows-important-stuff-to-get-in-easier/https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-thin-skull-allows-important-stuff-to-get-in-easier/Wed, 06 May 2020 07:17:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Mistakes bang into and bounce off thick skulls . This annoys Mistakes because their role is teaching lessons. The problem is… https://rickbaker.ca/post/multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence-focus/https://rickbaker.ca/post/multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence-focus/Mon, 20 Apr 2020 07:42:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Brain experts are telling us: The uptrend in multi-tasking , especially multi-tasking involving high-tech communication… https://rickbaker.ca/post/criticism-adrenalin-spikes-improving-relationships/https://rickbaker.ca/post/criticism-adrenalin-spikes-improving-relationships/Mon, 15 May 2017 08:30:00 -0500Some people naturally repulse criticism. These people may show outward signs of their repulsion. These people may not show outward signs, or their repulsion… https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-icebergs-intelligence-self-control-drive/https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-icebergs-intelligence-self-control-drive/Tue, 18 Apr 2017 09:12:00 -0500When we observe people, we observe the equivalent of the tip of the iceberg. We observe people's Actions. We observe their vocal actions, their body… https://rickbaker.ca/post/real-trust-requires-no-thought-synthetic-trust-requires-much-careful-thought-simon-sinek/https://rickbaker.ca/post/real-trust-requires-no-thought-synthetic-trust-requires-much-careful-thought-simon-sinek/Tue, 27 Dec 2016 07:43:00 -0500Simon Sinek wrote, “Trust is like love. Both parties have to feel it before it really exists.” I read Simon’s ‘daily inspiration messages’ and from time to… https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-thoughts-on-keeping-good-people/https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-thoughts-on-keeping-good-people/Tue, 15 Nov 2016 07:23:00 -0500Have Culture - if it isn't defined it will define itself Give Compliments - everyone wants to use talents to create value...and get regular pats on the back… https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-brains-are-amazing-toolswhat-an-understatement/https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-brains-are-amazing-toolswhat-an-understatement/Wed, 23 Mar 2016 07:39:00 -0500Our bodies are amazing tools...one fascinating example, our bodies deliver energy to us when we experience stressful situations. Our brains are the… https://rickbaker.ca/post/spending-time-complaining-about-not-having-enough-time-dont-you-think-thats-being-silly/https://rickbaker.ca/post/spending-time-complaining-about-not-having-enough-time-dont-you-think-thats-being-silly/Mon, 14 Mar 2016 09:47:00 -0500Here’s what happened to me: I accepted life is a relentless stream of states of mind I recognized some of those states of mind are positive, while others are… https://rickbaker.ca/post/taking-anxieties-to-better-places/https://rickbaker.ca/post/taking-anxieties-to-better-places/Sat, 12 Mar 2016 09:34:00 -0500Anxiety is the body's way of helping its owner act properly when situations signal danger. Anxiety - that's the body helping its owner act properly. We… https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-all-a-matter-of-mindset/https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-all-a-matter-of-mindset/Thu, 25 Feb 2016 07:37:00 -0500Life is states of mind. Life is a relentless stream of states of mind. Business life is a relentless stream of states of mind. States of mind cover a huge… https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-disorganized-people-accomplish-productive-things-in-business/https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-disorganized-people-accomplish-productive-things-in-business/Wed, 17 Feb 2016 07:02:00 -0500To explore this topic, I did some on-line research and found an interesting article that has fed into my thinking process. Below are some excerpts from that… https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-i-could-only-help-you-focus/https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-i-could-only-help-you-focus/Fri, 12 Feb 2016 08:06:00 -0500My friend Lorie Saxby taught me about the 7 pre-frontal cortex activities known as Executive Brainsmarts : Focus, Initiate, Plan, Organize, Shift, Monitor… https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-what-to-do-about-stress/https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-what-to-do-about-stress/Wed, 10 Feb 2016 08:04:00 -0500When our brains/minds register things that are important, our bodies experience stress responses. The more important the topic/outcome is to us, the higher… https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-there-be-positive/https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-there-be-positive/Mon, 08 Feb 2016 07:59:00 -0500Sure, we can be distracted or negative but let's remember we have these other two choices: being there and being positive . If you are not naturally inclined… https://rickbaker.ca/post/wouldnt-you-like-to-possess-placebo-empowerment/https://rickbaker.ca/post/wouldnt-you-like-to-possess-placebo-empowerment/Fri, 29 Jan 2016 06:35:00 -0500Most people accept the fact placebo medications sometimes/often bring about improvements in patients’ medical conditions. Somehow, the process of receiving a… https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-a-not-all-bad-fact-of-life/https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-a-not-all-bad-fact-of-life/Mon, 25 Jan 2016 08:17:00 -0500Stress is one of our natural response mechanisms. But, what exactly is stress? There are a huge range of definitions. Stress is what you feel/think in… https://rickbaker.ca/post/more-about-perfectionists/https://rickbaker.ca/post/more-about-perfectionists/Thu, 19 Nov 2015 19:39:00 -0500What matters is criticisms have generated heightened anxieties and, over time, those anxieties have gained a high level of control over the mind. And, the… https://rickbaker.ca/post/knee-jerk-thoughts-half-baked-ideas/https://rickbaker.ca/post/knee-jerk-thoughts-half-baked-ideas/Mon, 26 Oct 2015 08:58:00 -0500Automatic thought happens when the brain is switched ‘On’ and the mind is switched ‘Off’. Automatic thought has two forms: True/helpful Insights Knee-jerk… https://rickbaker.ca/post/ive-never-met-a-leader-including-the-bad-ones-who-did-not-exhibit-superior-skills-in-the-area-of-attention-to-detail/https://rickbaker.ca/post/ive-never-met-a-leader-including-the-bad-ones-who-did-not-exhibit-superior-skills-in-the-area-of-attention-to-detail/Thu, 01 Oct 2015 08:50:00 -0500I've never met a leader, including the bad ones, who did not exhibit superior skills in the area of attention to detail. [That comment was first published… https://rickbaker.ca/post/improving-attention-focus-concentration-starting-with-understanding-them/https://rickbaker.ca/post/improving-attention-focus-concentration-starting-with-understanding-them/Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:23:00 -0500Spirited definitions... Attention is when interest is captured. Concentration is when Attention is narrowed. Focus is when Concentration is intensified. ***… https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-dogs-chase-their-tails/https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-dogs-chase-their-tails/Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:35:00 -0500"When you chase your tail ‘literally’, you get dizzy and exhausted; when you chase your tail ‘figuratively’, you get distracted and confused." That thought… https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-converts-mind-energy-into-achievement/https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-converts-mind-energy-into-achievement/Mon, 31 Aug 2015 08:54:00 -0500For achievement, three qualities of mind rise above the others: intelligence, drive, and self-control. There are two types of intelligence: cognitive and… https://rickbaker.ca/post/breaking-bad-habits/https://rickbaker.ca/post/breaking-bad-habits/Tue, 11 Aug 2015 07:00:00 -0500First of all, this is not going to be about breaking bad habits . It's going to be about replacing bad habits. If you insist on breaking bad habits then I’d… https://rickbaker.ca/post/learn-how-to-kill-negative-thoughts-before-negative-thoughts-kill-your-willpower/https://rickbaker.ca/post/learn-how-to-kill-negative-thoughts-before-negative-thoughts-kill-your-willpower/Mon, 27 Jul 2015 08:00:00 -0500Since willpower is tough to do and negative thinking is easy to do, the brain favours negative thinking. https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-too-can-be-too-busy/https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-too-can-be-too-busy/Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:18:00 -0500You too can be too busy. All you need to do is brainwash yourself. Keep repeating: " I'm too busy, I'm too busy, I'm too busy ". Neuroscience advancements in… https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-just-cannot-take-communication-for-granted-communication/https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-just-cannot-take-communication-for-granted-communication/Thu, 20 Nov 2014 10:52:00 -0500People don't express their thoughts as clearly as they think they do. People don't listen as well as they think they do. And, to make matters worse, people… https://rickbaker.ca/post/absent-minded-versus-present-minded/https://rickbaker.ca/post/absent-minded-versus-present-minded/Mon, 30 Jun 2014 09:04:00 -0500Focus: bringing attention to the present situation or topic Concentration: maintaining attention on the present situation or topic 'Getting present' is a… https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-attention-to-detail-errors/https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-attention-to-detail-errors/Wed, 19 Mar 2014 08:19:00 -0500A thought. If a person makes attention-to-detail mistakes at the start of a new job then the person will likely struggle with attention-to-detail errors in… https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-931/https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-931/Mon, 10 Feb 2014 08:22:00 -0500Thought Tweet #931 Your brain is pre-set to forget most things. What are your doing to override that pre-set...so you remember? The Thinking Behind The Tweet… https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-some-pros-and-lots-of-cons/https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-some-pros-and-lots-of-cons/Fri, 07 Feb 2014 08:34:00 -0500When people feel they are in negative situations and those negative situations are outside of their control they become stressed. When under stress people… https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8595/https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8595/Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:51:00 -0500Thought Tweet #859.5 When we behave - when we take action - our behaviour alters our brain…maybe only a little, maybe much more than a little. The Thinking… https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8545/https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8545/Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:10:00 -0500Thought Tweet #854.5 When you criticize people you trigger their 'No' responses....and, at that point, constructive communication is over. The Thinking… https://rickbaker.ca/post/put-your-foot-downsay-no-to-no/https://rickbaker.ca/post/put-your-foot-downsay-no-to-no/Tue, 15 Oct 2013 08:28:00 -0500Beliefs: some good, some not-so-good Beliefs intertwine with perceptions and patterns in your brain. Then beliefs manifest their influence, acting as your…