The Power of "Can" vs. "Can't": Growing Your Brain by Doing Hard Things

Ah, the power of a single letter! It can magically transform "can" into "can't" and turn “curious” George into “furious” George….

This week's post is all about those tough things in life—the stuff we can do, can't do, want to do, don't want to do, will do, and absolutely won't do. We're diving into the fascinating connection between tackling challenging tasks and literally growing your brain.

We recently tuned into a mind-blowing podcast featuring Dr. Andrew Huberman, a renowned neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford School of Medicine. In this particular episode, he sat down with the incredible, inspiring, and unbelievably resilient David Goggins. If you're not familiar with David Goggins, he's a retired Navy SEAL, an accomplished ultramarathon runner, a best-selling author, and a powerful public speaker. His story, his mindset, and his sheer perseverance are truly astounding. We highly recommend checking out his book, Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, for an even deeper dive into his philosophy (and kick-in-the-pants) on pushing past perceived limits.

Their recent podcast episode is an absolute must-listen (just a heads-up, it’s got explicit content and David Goggins pulls no punches!). Trust us, it will fire you up, especially if you're like us and occasionally need a coach who's going to push you... hard. Spoiler alert: there are no shortcuts when it comes to Mental Fitness or, frankly, anything worthwhile in life.

Beyond Goggins's remarkable narrative, Dr. Huberman shared some incredible wisdom about the profound impact difficult tasks have on our brains. This isn't just about feeling good or pushing through; it's about actual physical changes happening inside your head. Here are a few key takeaways that really resonated with us:

The Brain's Willpower Muscle: The aMCC

Did you know there's a specific part of your brain that grows when you do things you'd rather avoid? It's called the Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex (aMCC). A ton of new research in humans indicates that actively engaging in activities you find undesirable—you know, the stuff you really, really don't want to do—actually leads to an increase in the size of this brain area. This isn't just theory; it's backed by fascinating neuroscience.

This growth is specifically tied to doing things you actively resist. We're talking about taking that cold shower when all you want is warmth, putting down that tempting cupcake when your sweet tooth is screaming, or even going to your neighbor's party when you'd rather just chill at home. It's not just about adding more activities to your life; it's about pushing through the discomfort of undesired activities. This truly caught our attention because it means our everyday struggles with willpower aren't just mental battles—they're opportunities for physical brain growth!

The Malleability of Your Brain

Here’s a crucial point: your brain is incredibly malleable. Just as easily as it expands, it can also contract. This means consistency is key. You can't just do one hard thing and expect a permanent change. It's an ongoing practice, a continuous commitment to stepping outside your comfort zone.

And for the final mic drop from Dr. Andrew Huberman: he describes this phenomenon not merely as an indicator of willpower but as a testament to the will to live. 

YES YES YES! This really elevates the entire freaking concept. It's not just about self-control; it's about activating a fundamental drive for life itself by embracing challenges. It's a powerful reminder that pushing through discomfort is deeply ingrained in our capacity for growth and survival.

So, the next time you find yourself doing something genuinely hard—whether it’s sticking to a new healthy habit, tackling a daunting work project, or just having that tough conversation you’ve been avoiding—take a moment to visualize your brain literally expanding. Imagine that aMCC getting a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger. And equally important, remember that just as easily as it grows, it can shrink if you don’t continue to engage with those challenging, undesired things.

If you’ve been looking for a sign (or perhaps a little tough love) to do that one thing today you’ve been dreading, consider this post: doing hard things is good for you and helps you do other hard things. 

So, what is one thing you can do today that you really, truly don't want to do? Go ahead, pick just one. 

Let's get to it. Your brain, and your future self, will thank you.