'I'm a brain scientist, anyone who makes this mistake will never be successful'

Understanding how our brains work is far from simple - but getting to grips with how our little grey cells operate can be the key to getting the most out of life. There's a lot of conflicting information available about how to best motivate yourself, maximise your potential, and get what you want out of life, and it can be difficult to know what to believe.

Someone who is definitely worth listening to is neuroscientist Emily McDonald, who has more than 795,000 followers on TikTok and 1.7 million on Instagram. Known on social media as EmontheBrain, she regularly posts interesting facts and insights into how our brains work.

Recently she posted a clip on TikTok explaining explaining how being "extreme" can lead to success in unexpected ways. Speaking in the clip, which has been liked more than 33,000 times, Emily said: "Science shows that you need to be extreme in order to get what you want and I'll tell you three neuroscience-backed reasons why.

"Reason number one is that being extreme actually changes your brain and helps you become the version of you that has it all. If you don't do the work to reprogram your brain you will continue to live in the same cycles and patterns that we've always lived in.

"In order to reprogram your brain you need to boost neuroplasticity, which is your brain's ability to rewire. And neuroplasticity happens when you repeat something with intensity and emotion, AKA becoming obsessed and being extreme.

"Your brain doesn't change through casual effort, it requires thorough obsession.

"Reason number two is that obsession boosts dopamine, which will boost motivation and drive and give you momentum. Dopamine is also mental energy, which will keep you going when other people give up.

"And reason number three is that your brain filters reality based upon what you are obsessed with. Your reticular activating system filters your senses and tunes your attention to what matters to you.

"When you are extreme about your vision your brain makes sure that you notice the people, opportunities and places that match it. Your obsession becomes the lens through which you see the world."

The clip attracted a flood of comments, with many applauding the advice and saying they would apply it to their own lives.

One wrote: "Be so in LOVE with something that it fuels your passion and drive. love this thank you for sharing!"

Another said: "found this out through trial and error. my best work truly came from me being so obsessed and not cutting corners."

A third wrote: "There’s truth to this, intentional, focused action can rewire your brain and shift your identity into alignment with your goals. It’s less about 'extreme' and more about being consistent and committed to the version of you you’re becoming."

Another said: "You gotta show the universe how bad you want it." And another commenter wrote: "How can I just get everyone I know to watch this because it explains me perfectly lol."