By: Cecilie Ott | Aug 24, 2021 | Personal Growth and Mindset

Neurons That Fire Together Wire Together

Coined nearly 70 years ago by Canadian neuropsychologist Donald Hebb, the phrase “neurons that fire together wire together” captures a powerful truth: our brains are constantly adapting, creating, and reinforcing neural pathways based on our experiences. Every thought, emotion, physical sensation, and memory activates thousands of neurons, which form intricate networks that shape how we think, feel, and respond.

When a neural pathway is used repeatedly, it becomes faster and more automatic. Whether the thought pattern is positive or negative, the same process applies. For example, the smell of corn dogs might flood someone with nostalgic excitement from a county fair—or it might trigger anxious memories from a difficult moment in the school cafeteria.

How Our Neural Pathways Form

We don’t always choose when and how these associations form. They emerge naturally, often without conscious awareness. In many cases, this brain “wiring” is protective and adaptive—helping us learn, store information, and make decisions quickly, sometimes referred to as a “gut feeling” or a survival-based reaction like fight-or-flight.

But for those who have experienced trauma or chronic stress, these neural pathways can become rigid and maladaptive. Patterns related to depression, anxiety, panic, or compulsive behavior often stem from these entrenched pathways—making change feel extremely difficult.

The Power of Neuroplasticity

The exciting news is this: the brain is capable of rewiring itself. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity. It means your brain can form new pathways while pruning away old, unused ones. Our minds are not fixed—they are dynamic and designed to change.

I like to compare this to a dirt road: the more often it’s traveled, the smoother and more visible it becomes. But if we close the road off, weeds begin to grow, and eventually, it disappears. Similarly, with time and consistent new behaviors, we can build fresh, healthier roads in our brains—and allow old ones to fade.

Rewiring the Brain: What It Looks Like

When you learn a new task, practice a new perspective, or process a new emotion, you're forming new connections in your brain. Repetition is key. The more often you activate the new pathway, the stronger it becomes. Over time, new thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses become second nature, while the old ones lose their grip.

But it’s important to remember: old neural pathways often formed early in life and were reinforced over years. That’s why change can feel slow or difficult at first. These patterns are well-worn. Without consistent attention and effort to build new routes, we tend to revert to familiar ones.

Therapy as a Tool for Rewiring

Therapy offers a powerful environment to examine and challenge entrenched thought patterns. A trained professional can help you safely explore deep-rooted beliefs and begin the process of reprocessing past pain. This creates space for healing, growth, and the formation of new, supportive pathways.

If you’ve ever changed a bad habit or shifted your view of a relationship or situation, you’ve already experienced neuroplasticity. Real, lasting change is possible.

With intention, practice, and sometimes professional support, you can rewire your brain—and in doing so, build a healthier, more resilient life.

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