Neuromyths
Not long ago, someone told me they were “definitely a right-brained person.” They laughed about how they couldn’t do maths but were naturally creative. I smiled and listened but inside I thought: this is exactly the kind of myth that holds us back.
Although the concept of a ‘neuromyth’ was new to me when I began my degree, the myths themselves were not. In fact, I had heard every one of them before and believed some too! We love neat explanations for who we are and how we learn. They make the complex feel simple. But when it comes to the brain, many of those explanations are wrong. These “neuromyths” are sticky, and the scary part is- even teachers, doctors, and scientists sometimes believe them. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most common ones.
What are Neuromyths?
A neuromyth is a widely held but false belief about how the brain works. They often sound appealing because they promise hidden potential or easy solutions. But the danger is that they can lead us to underestimate ourselves or to waste time and money on unhelpful strategies.
5 Common Neuromyths and the Truth behind them
- We only use 10% of our brain.
Brain imaging shows that nearly all regions are active, even when we’re resting. Evolution would never waste 90% of such an energy-hungry organ. There are people who have lost small percentages of their brain in accidents or tumor removals and have to re-learn movements, behaviour or even social skills. - You’re either left-brained (logical) or right-brained (creative).
Both hemispheres work together for all kinds of tasks, including creativity and problem-solving. Artists were placed in an fMRI and scientists observed activity on both sides of the brain. Creativity is a whole brain exercise. - People have different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic).
Preferences exist, but research shows, adapting teaching to a “style” doesn’t improve learning outcomes. In fact, research shows that a combination of learning styles produces the best outcomes for students and learners. - The Mozart Effect: listening to classical music boosts intelligence.
Music can improve mood and focus, but it doesn’t directly increase IQ. Research shows us that listening to a variety of music activates different parts of the brain, so having various genres on your playlist is like a mini brain gym. - Multiple intelligences are distinct and independent.
The theory is popular in education, but evidence shows, abilities are strongly linked under a general intelligence factor. Skills are diverse, but not neatly separated.
Why Neuromyths Stick
🔹 They sound empowering. Myths like the “10%” idea promise untapped potential.
🔹They feel intuitive. Learning preferences do feel real, so we assume they’re fixed.
🔹They’re easy to remember. A catchy myth spreads faster than a nuanced truth.
🔹They play to hope. We want to believe there’s a simple key to unlock performance.
Coaching Reflections
- Be cautious with labels (“I’m not a maths person” / “I can’t focus because I’m right-brained”). They can become self-fulfilling limitations.
- Instead of chasing “brain hacks,” focus on proven strategies: sleep, exercise, deliberate practice, and emotional regulation.
- When learning or working, ask: Is this supported by science, or does it just sound nice?
Have you ever believed one of these myths? How did it shape your self-image?
Now that you know the science behind it, has anything changed?
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