Neurons that Fire Together, Wire Together

What might be the first ever sighting of a sled cruising down a neuron’s axon

Have you ever heard the saying “neurons that fire together, wire together?”

It’s the basis of how our brains function. It’s really well demonstrated by a sled track (SO sorry for bringing winter into the chat).

Picture this: you’re at the top of your favorite sledding hill. By some miracle, you got there right after a fresh snow and before anyone else. You lay your sled down (classic toboggan for the win) and start your descent.

The first trip is slow. It takes a running start, some full-body wiggles, and probably some mitten crawling along the way.

The next time you trudge back up and restart your course, you go a little faster.

The next time, even faster.

Soon enough, you’re sweating from the hikes (when will they finally install t-bars?) and flying down your track, making it smoother, faster, and easier to traverse with each new pass.

Our neurons work in the same way.

The first time we do something - a behavior, a task, or even visiting a new place - our brains are clunky. We really have to work to make sense of what we’re seeing, doing, and feeling.

The more we repeat that same task, the easier it will become.

“Practice makes perfect” rings true here, but when it comes to the brain, “practice makes circuits.”

If you’re trying something new, and the uphill climb feels especially hard, know that it’s natural to feel that way.

And remember that each uphill climb will make for an even smoother ride to the bottom. You’ll be flying in no time!