The idea, called growth mindset, is that believing ability can change makes you practise more and quit less. The brain does keep changing with practice at every age, so the belief is at least accurate.
The measured effect is smaller than the books say. A large review found mindset interventions help a little, mostly for people who were struggling. Evidence: worth trying
Cheap enough: the alternative belief guarantees you stop.
Same theme: Keeping the brain plastic
Keeping the brain plastic
Ask someone to explain their thing
Once a week, get someone to explain something from their world that you don't understand. Follow it properly. Ask the stupid question.
20 minEvidence: worth trying
Keeping the brain plastic
Delete the brain-training app
If the goal is a sharper head, swap the app time for a real skill. The app makes you better at the app.
no timeEvidence: solid
Keeping the brain plastic
Do it the annoying way, once a week
Pick one thing you do on autopilot and do it the harder, unfamiliar way. New route, other hand, recipe from scratch, no calculator.
10 minEvidence: worth trying