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Build a Better Brain: Using Everyday Neuroscience to Train Your Brain for Motivation, Discipline, Courage, and Mental Sharpness
Neuroscience made practical methods to rewire your brain and take control of your thoughts, actions, and inner voice.Despite our best efforts, most of the time, we act without thinking. We make poor decisions. But this isn’t our fault! It’s just how our brains are programmed. Now, you don’t have to be a scientist to understand how to use your brain’s instincts to your advantage instead of your downfall.Understand your brain; change it; shape it; master it.Build a Better Brain has one to help you improve your life by understanding how your brain works, and taking advantage of it. Put simply, your brain still thinks it is 10,000 BC, and this has the potential to sabotage you on a daily basis. This book is a deep look into the roots of conscious and unconscious behavior. It’s your introduction to neuroscience, but written for non-scientists and packed with advice. At the end of the day, this book is a guide for how to rewire your brain for optimal performance and happiness.Learn to create real neural growth on a daily basis. Increase your mental speed, think quicker, and make better decisions.Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with dozens of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience. Oddly enough, neuroscience was his favorite class in school, and he has found how to apply that same information to real life situations.Control your impulses, anxious unconscious, and fears. Click the BUY NOW button to harness your mental potential.• The physiological origins of your behavior and how to shape them. • How habits - good and bad alike - are completely within your control. • Neuroplasticity in all its forms, and how to harness it for discipline and motivation. • Guiding principles for neural growth and networking.Improve everything you felt was simply impossible to change. Stop acting against your own interests and create intentional action.Start living the life you want, and don’t be a slave to your brain. This is what allows you to overcome fear and anxiety, and allows you to cultivate confidence and boldness.Optimize your brain and optimize your life - scroll up and click the BUY NOW BUTTON at the top right of the screen.This is the first book in the “Think Smarter, Not Harder” series as listed 1. Build a Better Using Everyday Neuroscience to Train Your Brain for Motivation, Discipline, Courage, and Mental Sharpness 2. Endless A Blueprint for Productivity, Focus, and Self-Discipline - for the Perpetually Tired and Lazy 3. Think Like Creatively Solve Problems, Think with Clarity, Make Insightful Observations & Deductions, and Develop Quick & Accurate Instincts 4. The Science of Intelligent Decision An Actionable Guide to Clearer Thinking, Destroying Indecision, Improving Insight, & Making Complex Decisions with Speed and Confidence 5. Rapid Idea How to Create, Innovate, Conceive, and Invent From Scratch [Second Edition] 6. The Brain Boost How To Optimize Your Brain for Peak Mental Performance, Neurogrowth, and Cognitive Fitness
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2019
499 people are currently reading
1195 people want to read
About the author
Peter Hollins
139 books357 followersPeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a student of the human condition. He possesses a BS in psychology and a graduate degree.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 7, 2019
Great motivational read
I have been dealing with being in a rut and isolating myself because of issues with PTSD. Since reading this, I have really become motivated to add good habits and brain strengthening activities. I have lost a lot of weight just by being more active with my family, and I have taken back up my art and music. Amazing how much I have pruned since not using my skills, but they are slowly coming back.
I have been dealing with being in a rut and isolating myself because of issues with PTSD. Since reading this, I have really become motivated to add good habits and brain strengthening activities. I have lost a lot of weight just by being more active with my family, and I have taken back up my art and music. Amazing how much I have pruned since not using my skills, but they are slowly coming back.
July 8, 2022
A short but deep book about your brain. Covers habit forming, yes/no responses and provides a good description of the steps one can take to alter one's behavior. Common pitfalls are included for free.
I think the title might be a bit exaggerated but still, this book is a great position if you don't have hours to spend on Ph. D. Huberman podcast ;-)
I think the title might be a bit exaggerated but still, this book is a great position if you don't have hours to spend on Ph. D. Huberman podcast ;-)
March 15, 2019
A very good read that combines enough science to understand how the brain works and structured in a way to make it accessible to most. The work was balanced so that it both taught about the workings of the brain and its anatomy with ways to change how it works. The book debunks many popular myths and gives the readers proven ways to effect change. I would have liked more references from different studies. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was very good, the perfect diction and speed for technical and informative listening. I was able to listen at 1.5 times and still understand and follow along with no issues. Great read!
August 10, 2022
TL;DR - Would highly recommend this book to gain a laymen's understanding of neuroplasticity, and methods you can use to manipulate the ways the brain rewires itself to build habits, and encourage the continued development of a healthy brain.
This book was self-published, and it is incredibly obvious the moment you open the book. It feels like someone well educated and researched on the topic wrote the book on a weekend, had a friend edit it for him once, and called it good.
There is a common phrase to summarize neuroplasticity: "Neurons that fire together wire together." But in the book he accidentally introduces it "Neurons that wire together fire together". One of many many mistakes in the book.
That said, the book is packed with easy to understand explanations about the brain, and it explains the ways in which seemingly disparate parts of the brain interact. The information is given in a way to help you understand the ways you might be sabotaging your own habit development.
Ultimately, the advice the book gives is advice you've probably heard time and time again. BUT, it also provides science and cites research that backs up why that advice is paramount to successfully accomplishing goals or building habits.
Would recommend. And if the author reads this, please find an editor and write more brain books.
This book was self-published, and it is incredibly obvious the moment you open the book. It feels like someone well educated and researched on the topic wrote the book on a weekend, had a friend edit it for him once, and called it good.
There is a common phrase to summarize neuroplasticity: "Neurons that fire together wire together." But in the book he accidentally introduces it "Neurons that wire together fire together". One of many many mistakes in the book.
That said, the book is packed with easy to understand explanations about the brain, and it explains the ways in which seemingly disparate parts of the brain interact. The information is given in a way to help you understand the ways you might be sabotaging your own habit development.
Ultimately, the advice the book gives is advice you've probably heard time and time again. BUT, it also provides science and cites research that backs up why that advice is paramount to successfully accomplishing goals or building habits.
Would recommend. And if the author reads this, please find an editor and write more brain books.
September 6, 2020
Straight to the point - where many would inflate the page number, this book sticks to a few key messages which it aims to communicate without too much padding. Covers the key parts of how habits are formed, biology of it, and examples of how to break the unwanted loop. Still, it makes it very clear throughout that there is no shortcut but to work work work. References other related books in the area, like The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Not sure if The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It was mentioned, but it shares some themes. Accessible if you haven't yet read anything in the field, while some of the sections will be very familiar (hello Phineas Gage story) if you have even a little prior knowledge.
November 12, 2020
Peter Hollins provides a clear ways to build good habits and negate bad habits
Through the help of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Neuroplacticity, Peter Hollins clearly defines how one's brain form good and bad habits. I particularly found the if-then method to be helpful which is as follows: if x occurs, then I will do y. This is unconscious behavior that does not require much willpower thus very easy to implement. Although, that method is found to be easyish, Hollins highlights that using CBT to rid yourself of bad habits is still a tedious process. CBT requires one to be aware of their thought, feelings, and sensations. For example, say an alcoholic would like to drink. It would be beneficial for him ask the following questions: "Where am I?", "How do I feel?", and "What brought this craving up?". These questions are important for the person trying to break this habit because he is noticing cues. The cue could be he is at home lonely, and being alone gives him an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, therefore leading him to a perpetual cycle of alcohol addiction. Thus, if one is struggling with their bad habits such as procrastination, smoking, or any harmful behavior, I would highly suggest this book.
Through the help of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Neuroplacticity, Peter Hollins clearly defines how one's brain form good and bad habits. I particularly found the if-then method to be helpful which is as follows: if x occurs, then I will do y. This is unconscious behavior that does not require much willpower thus very easy to implement. Although, that method is found to be easyish, Hollins highlights that using CBT to rid yourself of bad habits is still a tedious process. CBT requires one to be aware of their thought, feelings, and sensations. For example, say an alcoholic would like to drink. It would be beneficial for him ask the following questions: "Where am I?", "How do I feel?", and "What brought this craving up?". These questions are important for the person trying to break this habit because he is noticing cues. The cue could be he is at home lonely, and being alone gives him an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, therefore leading him to a perpetual cycle of alcohol addiction. Thus, if one is struggling with their bad habits such as procrastination, smoking, or any harmful behavior, I would highly suggest this book.
November 23, 2020
This book explains in detail with some good examples the phenomenon of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the process of the brain developing, changing, growing, and adapting to whatever it is exposed to, and it can be used to quite literally build a better brain. There is a lot of discussion about the neuroscience of why we are compelled to say yes or no. The yes response concerns motivation, self-discipline, and the ability to achieve what we want. As for the no response, it is all predicated on fear, anxiety, and the fact that our brains think it is still 10,000 BC with all the associated survival instincts. There are techniques to strengthen your yes response and weaken your no response (cognitive behavioural therapy). I was surprised to read about visualisation as one of the techniques for working on the yes response. Apparently, it is very effective. In the book they give an example of an experiment on basketball players doing free throws, one group did it for 20 days whilst the other only visualised doing it. The group that physically practiced for 20 days boosted their free throw success rate by 24%. But astonishingly, the visualisation group also improved by 23% - almost as much as the practice squad.
August 16, 2021
This book is a interesting peak for people who, like me, are interested on knowing the ways of the brain and, specially, what is neuroplasticity and how it works.
The book provides enough science to facilitate the readers understanding about the brains functioning and how we benefit (or not) from neuroplasticity
It is incredible to discover some amazing brain tricks and how a few of our behaviors might be coupled to its structure.
If you are curious about how habits are formed, how phantom limb works and if the brain handles fake memory as real ones, you are definitely going to enjoy this book.
The book provides enough science to facilitate the readers understanding about the brains functioning and how we benefit (or not) from neuroplasticity
It is incredible to discover some amazing brain tricks and how a few of our behaviors might be coupled to its structure.
If you are curious about how habits are formed, how phantom limb works and if the brain handles fake memory as real ones, you are definitely going to enjoy this book.
February 17, 2021
Very concise and informative read. Applies the fact of how our brain changes and adapts to relate practical guidelines towards how to improve one self.
How to create the neural connections towards increasing our motivation, generate better habits and knowledge of understanding how our brains works.
Chapter 6 is a great summary chapter of the book and should be re-read to retain the information.
How to create the neural connections towards increasing our motivation, generate better habits and knowledge of understanding how our brains works.
Chapter 6 is a great summary chapter of the book and should be re-read to retain the information.
February 5, 2019
Clear information on how to go about achieving your goals
This book helps you to break down the distance between where you are now and what you want to achieve. It explains what to do and the science of how the brain works, to help you to plan and achieve the desired results.
Very motivating and an enjoyable read.
This book helps you to break down the distance between where you are now and what you want to achieve. It explains what to do and the science of how the brain works, to help you to plan and achieve the desired results.
Very motivating and an enjoyable read.
April 5, 2019
Full of Great Information
I have struggled with self discipline, and never knew why. Most books just follow Nike and say just do it. This book takes a look at what your brain is doing and why stopping a bad habit or forming a new one isn't easy. I love the if-then statements to form a new habit. If x happens, then I do y. I can take this information, and make a change for good!
I have struggled with self discipline, and never knew why. Most books just follow Nike and say just do it. This book takes a look at what your brain is doing and why stopping a bad habit or forming a new one isn't easy. I love the if-then statements to form a new habit. If x happens, then I do y. I can take this information, and make a change for good!
August 28, 2019
A major emphasis on neuroplasticity, which however seems to be relatively limited; genetics and very early development tend to have 'built right' or less right, the brain and the rest of the CNS and body. Still, whatever the mechanism, there seem relatively efficient strategies to alter good and bad habits, which seems feasible for many.
May 17, 2020
It's a great book to begin your journey with a brain science/neuroplasticity/neuropsychology.
It's easily written, just enough to understand the whole process of neuroplasticity without being discouraged. It's not too long and not too detailed, just enough.
Thing I missed is lack of drawings (I used google to help myself).
I recommend!
It's easily written, just enough to understand the whole process of neuroplasticity without being discouraged. It's not too long and not too detailed, just enough.
Thing I missed is lack of drawings (I used google to help myself).
I recommend!
June 11, 2020
Really easy to read even for complete beginners with no prior knowledge whatsoever! Although for those who have studied psychology at university, you will see a lot of topics/experiments that you’ve studied countless times. Nonetheless, the book is definitely worth it and you can easily read it in one day (I’m not a fast reader, but I was able to finish it in one day so you can do it too xD)
March 7, 2021
Good summary of how the brain works to build habits, what parts of the brain conduct certain actions and what can impact the brain's functions. Most of the book provides the scientific research conducted to back up the summary. Interesting with ways (some you have probably heard before) to train your brain.
May 17, 2021
If you read other books on self improvement, you're unlikely to learn much new from this tiny book - although I did appreciate the tip on saying "you" instead of "I" in self talk. But it's not bad. If you haven't already gone through several other books on the topic, go ahead and pick this up if you can do so cheaply. It is much smaller than an ordinary nonfiction book, after all.
September 18, 2023
Not for me
I did not find anything new in this book. Perhaps I have already read the other books and articles this work is based from, so this one is too basic for me. Especially unnecessary: the neuroscience lessons. I learned this already in school and the overview here is way too skimpy to fully understand the relationship between the biochemistry and the behavior.
I did not find anything new in this book. Perhaps I have already read the other books and articles this work is based from, so this one is too basic for me. Especially unnecessary: the neuroscience lessons. I learned this already in school and the overview here is way too skimpy to fully understand the relationship between the biochemistry and the behavior.
June 13, 2025
As a Psych major undergrad, much of the neuroplasticity concept was covered in learning theory. Experiments in biofeedback, relaxation and heightened awareness were similar to those expressed in the book. This book connected more deeply with the medical description of the areas of the brain effecting the outcomes of learning and training of behaviors and therefore habits.
February 7, 2019
Science meets self-help
Both interesting in research and practical in applications, this is one of the best books I've read to motivate me to keep growing and thinking about habits and changing patterns. Want to read it again!
Both interesting in research and practical in applications, this is one of the best books I've read to motivate me to keep growing and thinking about habits and changing patterns. Want to read it again!
March 9, 2019
Finally an informative book
This book may have saved my life or extended the quality of. I am a 38 yr old veteran I suffer from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury and I have been searching for something that could help me manage and this is it! Thank you!
This book may have saved my life or extended the quality of. I am a 38 yr old veteran I suffer from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury and I have been searching for something that could help me manage and this is it! Thank you!
May 15, 2019
Excellent primer on neuroplasticity
This book deals with many of the same topics you'll find in modern self-help books, but from the perspective of examining physical and chemical changes in the brain. The lone major criticism I have is the level lack of citations.
This book deals with many of the same topics you'll find in modern self-help books, but from the perspective of examining physical and chemical changes in the brain. The lone major criticism I have is the level lack of citations.
November 29, 2019
A good combination of scientific information and practical application in an easy to read format. If you are looking to make some changes, this is an excellent resource for information on how to train your brain to do so.
March 17, 2020
Awesome Book
Each to understand for those who aren't scientists. I enjoyed learning about the brain and what components plays a factor in creating neural pathways. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to change their habits for your greater good.
Each to understand for those who aren't scientists. I enjoyed learning about the brain and what components plays a factor in creating neural pathways. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to change their habits for your greater good.
May 16, 2020
Lacks proper references; appeal to authority and hand-wavy references aren't doing the supposedly scientific grounding of this book a favour. Otherwise an interesting read with some very interesting points. I especially like the chapter-wise summaries.
November 11, 2020
Technical but easy to follow and works
I found the author used to right amount if technical jargon and layman terms to effectively provide information. Noticing some changes of following advice found in book. I started to learn German language at the age of 40.
I found the author used to right amount if technical jargon and layman terms to effectively provide information. Noticing some changes of following advice found in book. I started to learn German language at the age of 40.
April 22, 2019
Neuroplasticity
It was a fascinating read. I learned many new things and it gave me hope that it's possible to stop Alzheimer disease.
It was a fascinating read. I learned many new things and it gave me hope that it's possible to stop Alzheimer disease.
May 8, 2019
A little technical, but good information
Skip to the end of you are in a hurry and you'll find a lot of value in a lot less time.
Skip to the end of you are in a hurry and you'll find a lot of value in a lot less time.
July 14, 2019
Self reassurance !
I love that it gives you pointers but also examples for you to follow what is being said in book
I love that it gives you pointers but also examples for you to follow what is being said in book
November 6, 2019
Very useful
I like the style of Peter. I enjoy the book. I learned a lot about the brain, it's a book ease to read.
I like the style of Peter. I enjoy the book. I learned a lot about the brain, it's a book ease to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews