Can People Actually Change?
The short answer is yes—change is not only possible, it’s inevitable.
Our brains and bodies are constantly adapting in response to our environment, a process known as neuroplasticity—experiences "mold" the brain by creating new neural connections and pathways, similar to how pressing an object into soft clay leaves an impression. The brain is constantly adapting and changing its structure based on new information and experiences, just like clay can be reshaped.
Every thought, feeling, and behavior we experience strengthens neural pathways, making it more likely that we will repeat familiar patterns. However, just as we become stuck in unhelpful habits, we also have the ability to rewire our brains and create healthier, more productive patterns.
Why Change Feels Difficult
Our brains prioritize survival above all else, and part of that job involves making predictions based on past experiences. When faced with new information, the brain quickly assesses sensory input, environmental context, and bodily state to generate a response similar to past responses.
Because this process happens automatically, we tend to steer toward known, familiar reactions. Imagine driving down a rutted dirt road; your car’s tires easily slip into those ruts. Habituated responses pull our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the same way. The more we reinforce these patterns, the harder they are to break.
Change becomes possible the moment we recognize an unhelpful prediction and consciously choose a different response. By intervening in that instant—before acting on autopilot—we can intentionally shift our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors into alignment with our goals. With practice over time, as we create new experiences and responses, the brain adjusts by forming new neural pathways that support positive change. Eventually, our brains start to crave the rewards (dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin) these new changes bring, and the “new way” becomes a familiar pattern.
Read my post about why change is hard.
How to Rewire the Brain
Because change is constant, we have the power to direct it. To reshape our responses, we must adjust the “ingredients” that shape our experiences:
Environment – Where we are and who we’re with
Context – The meaning we assign to a situation
Bodily state – Physiological and emotional reactions (e.g., arousal, calm, tension)
Responses – Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors conditioned by past experiences
If we dislike how we react in certain situations, we can systematically alter these ingredients. For example, mindful techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and cognitive reframing can help regulate emotional responses and start to shift ingrained patterns. (I’ll write more on this in future articles.)
A Real-Life Example
Consider a workplace scenario: A coworker constantly interrupts and dismisses your input, triggering stress and frustration. Over time, your brain wires itself to expect conflict, reinforcing a cycle of anxiety and negativity. You dread meetings, sleep poorly the night before, and arrive already primed for irritation.
You could attempt to change your environment—asking a manager to intervene, switching departments, or finding a new job—but similar challenges may arise elsewhere. Real transformation happens when you change. By becoming aware of your reactions, practicing self-regulation techniques, and setting healthy boundaries, you can break free from old patterns and develop new, more constructive ways of responding that are more in keeping with who you want to be.
The Neuroscience of Change
Change is not only possible—it’s scientifically proven. Our brains and bodies are built to adapt, and with conscious effort, we can rewire them to align with our goals. I’ll dive deeper into the process of change in future articles, but for now, know this: almost any kind of transformation is possible. I’ve seen it firsthand in my own life. I overcame severe addiction, as well as patterns of anger, hypersensitivity, defensiveness, low self-esteem, and lack of empathy. Neuroscience confirms what I know to be true—people can change.
If you or someone you know is ready for meaningful transformation, contact me or schedule a discovery call.
