Brain Changer: How Harnessing Your Brain’s Power to Adapt Can Change Your Life

Science and technology journalist DiSalvo (What Makes Your Brain Happy and Why You Should Do the Opposite) suggests that in order to effect change, we need to think about thinking. Metacognition, the author notes, is “the most potent internal influence we have to... improve the outcomes of our brain’s constellation of feedback loops.” The “Theory of Mind” allows for self-awareness, awareness of other’s mindsets, and awareness of the awareness of others. In this “think different” primer, the author not only describes how to “detach” from immediate thoughts and exert conscious control on our thinking, but presents readers with a “thought box” that includes tactics for doing so. DiSalvo describes a series of steps to help the reader assess thought patterns and employ methods to retrain the brain, and understand the feedback loops of the brain to engage conscious control over our emotions. This book will help the reader learn to stop or postpone thoughts that aren’t wanted, consider the basic physical conditions needed for better cognition, and consider personal achievements and effects on others. DiSalvo suggests that by retraining the brain, our thoughts may take us somewhere more satisfying than where we are. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Nov.)