From Insight to Action: How to Make Lasting Change in Your Brain and Life

Why is it so hard to break old habits, even when you know what you want to change? Neuroscience offers a clear answer: every habit is a physical pathway in your brain, strengthened by repetition and resistant to change. In 'Your Brain at Work,' David Rock shows that making new habits stick requires building new neural connections—one small step at a time.

Change is not a single leap but a gradual climb. Each time you practice a new behavior, you lay down a fresh pathway in your brain. But the old ones never fully disappear, which is why it’s easy to slip back into familiar routines under stress. The key is persistence and self-compassion. When you stumble, forgive yourself, return to your practice, and trust the process.

Stories from the book and global leadership programs reveal that even the most successful people struggle with change. The difference is that they keep going, embedding new routines until they become second nature. Over time, what once felt awkward becomes effortless.

Lasting change is possible for everyone. By understanding the science of neuroplasticity, practicing new behaviors daily, and treating setbacks with kindness, you can transform your life and leadership. For more on habit change and brain-based strategies, visit the NeuroLeadership Institute and explore their resources for personal and professional growth. 1 4