Force = mass x acceleration
Imagine transforming your mindset with the same force that propels a rocket into space—welcome to the powerful intersection of Newton's 2nd law and personal growth
Unlocking Potential: Applying Newton’s Laws to Personal Growth
In this second edition of the newsletter series, we will delve deeper into Newton’s first law and examine strategies to increase the applied force (Newton’s second law). This will help you overcome your internal inertia and move closer to achieving success, happiness, and fulfillment…
Second Law: Law of Force - In Simple Terms as Explained by Newton:
Newton’s second law states that the force applied to an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration. In simple terms, this means that the more force you apply to an object, the faster it will accelerate.
To put it another way:
Force (F) = Mass (m) × Acceleration (a)
This law shows that heavier objects require more force to move them compared to lighter ones. So, if you want to speed something up, you need to either apply more force or reduce its mass!
Real Life Application:
Imagine a ball that is stationary on flat ground, needing to travel from point A to point B. Let’s say a person can exert a force of up to 800 Newtons on the ball. A 500 kg ball would require a greater acceleration to achieve the same force compared to a 50 kg ball.
Here’s a simple calculation:
For the 500 kg ball: It requires an acceleration of 1.6 m/s².
For the 50 kg ball: It requires an acceleration of 16 m/s².
This means the 50 kg ball can reach point B ten times faster than the 500 kg ball.
Now, think of the MinD as the mass in this scenario. Is your mindset holding you back from accelerating toward your goals as quickly as you could?
Although the human MinD is only about six inches wide, it can be the biggest obstacle in our lives. The mental "mass" we've developed creates restrictions that make it harder to accelerate and overcome stagnation in our lives. This lethargic mindset limits our ability to apply force effectively, hindering our progress and potential.
Overcoming Mental Stagnation
To overcome this critical mental stagnation, we need to begin by examining our feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. By reflecting inward, we can identify and address the obstacles that hold us back, paving the way for growth and progress.
As we explore the principles of Newton's second law, we can see how the concept of force not only applies to physical objects but also to our internal struggles and motivations. This connection allows us to understand how the mental "mass" we carry can either propel us forward or hold us back in our journey toward success and fulfillment.
Increasing Acceleration in Life
When we open our MinD, we unlock possibilities we never thought possible. Once we gain knowledge and build this “critical mass”, it begins to work in our favor, much like a snowball rolling down a hill, accelerating as it goes. This openness can spark creativity, inspire innovation, and lead to personal growth. The more we learn and experience, the more our understanding expands, creating a “critical mass” of knowledge and insight.
The concepts of an open mind, overcoming the initial stationary state and the snowball effect can be closely linked to neuroplasticity/neurogenesis.
Rewiring the Brain
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life in response to learning, experience, or injury. This adaptability allows for recovery and the acquisition of new skills, demonstrating the brain's dynamic nature. An average adult brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons, and typically generates 700 new neurons in the hippocampus each day. This daily production of neurons, referred to as neurogenesis, is where improved learning, connectivity, and communication between different brain regions take place.
To rewire our feelings, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, it's crucial to develop new neurons that aid in the process of personal growth. To foster neurogenesis, we can adopt lifestyle changes. Notable neuroscientist Dr. Sandrine Thuret emphasizes how exercise, a healthy diet, and mental stimulation promote new neuron growth. Her research highlights the positive impact of these habits on brain health.
While neurogenesis research has much further to progress, current findings indicate that following simple steps, as outlined below, can promote the growth of neurons:
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy diet
Get adequate sleep
Practice mindfulness, mindlessness and meditation
Jessica Cassity (n.d.) writes this about mindfulness meditation and neuroplasticity:
“With meditation, your brain is effectively being rewired: As your feelings and thoughts morph toward a more pleasant outlook your brain is also transforming, making this way of thought more of a default… The more your brain changes from meditation, the more you react to everyday life with that same sense of calm, compassion, and awareness.”
The MinDvesting Philosophy :
Ultimately, this theory emphasises the importance of mindset in achieving success. By focusing on growth, embracing change, and taking proactive steps, we can transform our lives. Just as a snowball becomes hard to stop once it gains momentum, so too can we become unstoppable once we harness the power of our minds.
In essence, the journey is about shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of possibility, where every action contributes to our overall trajectory and potential.
Take a moment today to assess your mental inertia—what thoughts or beliefs are holding you back? Embrace the strategies we've discussed to cultivate an open mind and foster neurogenesis, and start your journey toward transformation. Remember, every small step you take can lead to powerful changes in your life!
As we continue this journey of understanding, we’ll explore Newton’s third law next, which emphasizes that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle will further illuminate how our actions influence our surroundings.
Remember the limiting factor in all of the above is only the MinD.
Appreciate your time and making it this far in the post, keep reading over time.