Chapter 2-The Deep Practice Cell summary

Chapter Summary

Myelin is a dense fat that wraps around the nerve fibers in our brains, like electrical tape around wires. Myelin keeps the electrical impulses that move between neurons and synapses insulated, providing increased strength, speed, and accuracy. Every time a particular circuit in the brain is fired, myelin is built, layer upon layer, to solidify that circuit activity.  To fire these circuits, deep practice is required. With increased myelin, processing capability is up to 3000 times more efficient. That is amazing! "Practice makes myelin, and myelin makes perfect." This applies to any skill we wish to acquire.

Key Concept

Deep practice of any skill causes specific circuits in our brains to be fired, which creates more and more layers of myelin, which then increases productivity in that skill.

Key Terms

myelin
neurons
synapses
oligodendrocytes (oligos)

Making Connections

I want to be 3000 times more effective at what I do! Therefore, I need to learn the principles of deep practice, so that I can create natural, amazing, broadband in my brain. I also need to be able to teach others how to deep practice.