Neurons that fire together, wire together.

“Neurons that fire together, wire together.” - Donald Hebb

Neuropsychologist Donald Hebb first used this phrase in 1949 to describe how pathways in the brain are formed and reinforced through repetition.

The more the brain does a certain task, the stronger that neural network becomes, making the process more efficient each successive time.

This is why the practice of gratitude — the regular journaling and the habitual moments of reflection — can be so powerful. It creates and strengthens pathways in the brain for acknowledging all we have to be grateful for each day. And the more we do it, the more ingrained the practice becomes and the easier it is for our brain to process gratitude — creating a virtuous cycle.

So get those neurons firing! You’ll be grateful you did 😉.

Dave Radparvar
Co-Founder, Holstee

P.S. This month’s Gratitude Guide features six journaling and group discussion questions to get those gratitude neurons firing. Like this one: “Who makes your life easier?” 

P.P.S. Hebb’s research was a precursor to recent breakthroughs around neuroplasticity — the concept that our brain’s ability is not fixed but can actually continue to grow and learn well into old age.