Just Like Riding a Bike...

Check out the video below on the topic of neuroplasticity, the ability of your brain change in response to changes in behavior, emotion, thinking, neural processes and environment.  

Performers strive to make their behaviors automatic, so that they are free to adapt and respond to the changing environment.  This trusting mindset is developed in response to purposeful practice,  All the times the man trained to ride his bicycle as a child and fell or his progression from tricycle to training wheels strengthen not only his confidence but the neural pathways that led to synchronization of multiple areas of the brain and body.  By simple changing one element of the bike the neural circuitry was useless and a detriment.  A detriment because the more you practice something and the older you get certain default patterns takeover and it becomes harder but not impossible to adapt,  One reason the young boy was able to learn so quickly.

From an athletes perspective the video gives credence to brain's ability to change, while also  providing insight into the challenge of making changes whether they be physical, cognitive, or emotional.  The brain is designed to be efficient and it likes routine and consistency any foreign task needs to be met with practice and effort.  The pitcher who is changing his delivery or the basketball player who is changing his shot will have the same challenge.

Special thanks to Rob Buonfiglio O.D. from Eye on Performance for sending this my way.