Smarter, Wiser, Calmer, Focused

Neuroscience research has - for the first time in human history - allowed us to understand how our brain supports us on our journey through life, how our brain transitions from one life phase to the next, and what we can do now to get the most out of our brain's natural abilities throughout our lives. While there is no question that some of the brain's capabilities deteriorate from the startlingly early age of 22, it is not generally recognized that these abilities are replaced by different ones that provide us with new and valuable strengths - what Dr. Steidl calls 'natural advantages'. Smarter, Wiser, Calmer, Focused helps you to understand what lies ahead of you at each major life stage and how you can make the most of the new strengths and opportunities that each change in natural advantage brings. While it is possible to build reserves that boost long-term brain power and prolong our thinking capabilities, Dr. Steidl suggests it is just as important to prepare for the inevitable changes with the confidence that comes from recognising the value that each natural advantage has to offer. An understanding of natural brain advantage also provides a new perspective on how and why conflict can occur between people of different age groups, in family and personal relationships and in the workplace. The book discusses how the brain works, and the opportunities this presents to strengthen mental abilities regardless of age. It then looks at how the brain develops from the teenage years until old age and introduces the concept of natural advantage, identifying for each age group its natural advantage and ways of boosting this advantage. For teenagers (age 13 to 22) this is about how the brain handles the transition from childhood to adulthood and peak processing efficiency. Young adults (22 to 40) are the smartest people in the room, with a unique ability to find quick solutions to practical problems. The middle aged (40 to 55) are wiser - still smart, but with the deeper insight that context and experience bring. Mature adults (55 to 70) have a natural advantage in remaining calm under fire; they are still wise, but less affected by emotion and so better at managing difficult situations. Finally, Elders (70+) are about making time count by focusing on what is important to them. Smarter, Wiser, Calmer, Focused is for everyone who is interested in knowing more about what they can do to maintain their brain's hardware and software throughout their life, how to make the most of their brain's natural advantages at each stage of their life, and how to better understand themselves and the people around them.