NY Times posted an article recently asking the question, Can you get smarter? Of the many interesting ideas presented in the article, the notion that possessing a positive attitude toward learning is key to remaining mentally fit.
Success conscience suggests that a positive attitude strongly affects constructive and creative thinking. Mayo Clinic confirms that having a positive view to learning and life has proved beneficial in the following areas:
- Increased life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
While we can all see the benefits of looking at life from the glass half full perspective, can a positive attitude help really help us defy or ward off the naturally occurring cognitive decline that is synonymous with aging?
Studies have shown that “there is intriguing evidence that the attitude that young people have about their own intelligence — and what their teachers believe — can have a big impact on how well they learn. Carol Dweck, a psychology professor at Stanford University, has shown that kids who think that their intelligence is malleable perform better and are more motivated to learn than those who believe that their intelligence is fixed and unchangeable.”
Is the same also true for adults? If your teachers, all those years ago, suggested you were a great learner, do you have a natural appetite for learning vs. the opposite effect? The obvious answer is, yes! Instructors of adult-learners all over the world continuously debate and discuss techniques to overcome negative-attitude obstacles in adult-learners. The difference between a positive vs. a negative attitude toward learning is primary to the learner’s success.
We at WAHVE are passionate about staying engaged – of defying cognitive decline because we think there is more for you than simply retiring and dropping out of the learning game. We believe every pretiree has something to offer society. We are POSITIVELY convinced you can solve problems, mentor millennials, lead with strong business acumen, continually learn and influence this world for the better.
Let’s remain positive and get smarter together.
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