How the Brain Changes Itself – Learning is Forever!

Key Message:
Lara Boyd’s TEDx talk reveals one of the most empowering discoveries in neuroscience: you are constantly shaping your brain. Through your behavior, habits, and even your mistakes, your brain rewires itself. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity—and it means that change is always possible.

Why It Matters:
In a VUCA world full of uncertainty and pressure, this is good news. It means that resilience, adaptability, and better decision-making aren’t fixed traits. They are skills your brain can grow.

Top Takeaways:

1. Change Drives Change
   Every time you learn something new or challenge yourself, your brain creates new neural pathways. These changes are experience-dependent. Repetition, effort, and reflection make a difference.

2. Learning Is Highly Individual
   No two brains change the same way. This means coaching, training, and leadership must respect personal learning styles and emotional realities.

3. Mistakes Matter
   Struggle and failure are essential. They activate learning in ways success cannot. Neuroplasticity thrives when we’re pushed out of autopilot.

4. You Are Your Own Best Experiment
   There is no single way to rewire your brain. But intention and practice are key. Consistency over intensity.

Quote to Remember:

“The best driver of change in your brain is your behavior.” — Lara Boyd

Leadership Insight:
VUCA doesn’t just test your skills—it challenges your thinking. If you want to thrive, you don’t just need better habits. You need a brain trained for agility, empathy, and reflection. And the good news is: you can build that brain—at any age.

In this classic research-based TEDx Talk, Dr. Lara Boyd describes how neuroplasticity gives you the power to shape the brain you want. Recorded at TEDx Vancouver at Rogers Arena on November 14, 2015.

About Dr. Lara Boyd:

Our knowledge of the brain is evolving at a breathtaking pace, and Dr. Lara Boyd is positioned at the cutting edge of these discoveries. In 2006, she was recruited by the University of British Columbia to become the Canada Research Chair in Neurobiology and Motor Learning. Since that time she has established the Brain Behaviour Lab, recruited and trained over 40 graduate students, published more than 80 papers and been awarded over $5 million in funding. Dr. Boyd’s efforts are leading to the development of novel, and more effective, therapeutics for individuals with brain damage, but they are also shedding light on broader applications. By learning new concepts, taking advantage of opportunities, and participating in new activities, you are physically changing who you are, and opening up a world of endless possibility. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.