I have been writing about self improvement and personal development software for 25 years now, but until recently, most of the programs I reviewed were for the Windows PC. But times have changed.
About two years ago, most new software applications come out with versions for both Windows PCs and Macintosh OS X. Plus the best self improvement programs for the PC have now added Mac editions.
The number of Macintosh personal development apps has now reached critical mass. So I present my picks for the best of the bunch.
Neuroactive Program Complete Brain Training
Neuroactive Program Complete Brain Training by Brain Training America is a total brain fitness software program developed by an international team of neuropsychologists and medical doctors with more than 20 years of experience in brain-training. The program comes on a CD-ROM which includes both Windows and Macintosh versions
The training program consists of a series of fun brain games designed to work out a variety of different mental functions, using AI to learn your levels of response and move you through the program.
Besides its research-backed health benefits, I found using the software was a lot of fun and extremely engaging. The training games and exercises are simple in concept yet extremely sophisticated in their implementation. Read this entire post on the Mindware Forum.
Get Neuroactive Program Complete Brain Training at Amazon!
BrainBullet v.2.0
BrainBullet v2.0 provides a direct pathway to your unconscious mind using the power of subliminal messaging.
The software sits in your computer’s system tray, and displays targeted affirmations on your screen at speeds too fast for your conscious mind to detect.
By sending messages straight into the goal producing target in the brain, BrainBullet software can give you the ability to achieve all your goals more quickly than you imagined possible Read this entire post on the Mindware Forum.
BrainBullet v2 Instant Download
Wild Divine Biofeedback Mindfulness Academy
Premier biofeedback company Wild Divine has produced a new software program called Mindfulness Academy which makes learning the powerful Mindfulness techniques as easy as playing a video game.
Mindfulness is a form of awareness meditation first developed and practiced by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at the University of Massachusetts. Mindfulness has been adopted by psychologists as a technique used for therapeutic purposes and for the achievement of peak potential by psychologically healthy individuals. Continue reading on the Mindware forum.
Get the Mindfulness Academy Special Meditation Bundle
Mindfulness Academy Direct Mac Software Download (Requires Wild Divine Lightstone or IOMS hardware)
Evernote Version 4
Evernote is a no-cost tool that works as a software program for your PC or Mac, preferred cell phone, and online in your favorite browser. This versatile app allows you to collect and store information from almost anywhere and access it from just about any location.
I should insert the caveat that the is an Evernote Premium which allows you more storage space online and the ability save your notebooks off-line. However, I upgraded my account 5 months, paid the very reasonable fee for a year membership and have been happy with my decision ever since. Continue reading on the Mindware forum.
Get Evernote for Macintosh at the iTunes Store
Neurosky Brainwave Biofeedback System
Finally a company has packaged a versatile wireless EEG brain wave system at a price everyone can afford. The company, Neurosky has been developed brain wave computer control devices since 2006.
Using Neurosky technology, Mattel Toy company launched a toy called Mindflex with a brain wave headset. The game was so popular, they followed it up with Mindflex Duel which allows two people to complete simply using their thoughts.
The brainwave biofeedback technology found in MindFlex is actually much more than just a toy, it is a powerful neurofeedback device that until now have been priced around a thousand dollars or more.
Mindwave has launched the Mindwave, complete with EEG headset which connects wireless to your PC or Macintosh via a wireless USB dongle which is included in the kit. and the best news is that it is priced under a hundred bucks and comes with a bundle of its own software apps.Continue reading on the Mindware forum.
Neuroactive Program Memory
What is better for your brain and memory than regular use of carefully created mental exercises?
Research has shown that is the combination of practice using brain-stimulating exercises, AND theory, through mnemonic strategies and training.
While other available brain training software and online services provide you with lots of brain games and exercises, the don’t teach you basic strategies and useful tips that can allow you to progress faster in these exercises and games. This is the important advantage that use of Brain Center America’s innovative NeuoActive Program Memory provides.
The software focuses on improving the area of memory called “working memory,” scientifically demonstrated to have the most benefit both in school settings and at work.Continue reading on the Mindware forum.
Get NeuroActive Program Memory at Amazon
ActionMachine v.3
Derek Franklin who is already a best-selling author for Adobe/Macromedia Press came up with a simple system for getting more things done in his life. It consists several steps, including writing a list of things you want to get done, assigning blocks of time to each task and using your choice of timer.
You focus on nothing but accomplishing that task. You do not answer the phone , you don’t get up for a drink, you don’t log onto Facebook – none of the usual time wasters.
It sounds simple but it really works. I know because I have been using the system since I heard about it. While powerful, this technique requires keeping lists of tasks on paper and crossing them off and juggling that with a timer. There had to be an even better way.
Derek Franklin invented one. He created a software program called The Action Machine that elegantly integrates his potent method into a framework that makes using the system a no-brainer. The Action Machine v3.0 software elegantly automates the process of getting things done. Read this entire post and get a link to download action machine.
Brainiversity
Brainiversity is a game designed to stimulate your prefrontal cortex with 16 different activities covering language, memory, math and analysis.
Sounds hard but Brainiversity does a good job of making it fun.
Brainiversity is fun, easy to pick up, and perfect for the whole family. The target audience is adults who wish to keep their brains sharp as they get older, but young children, and anyone in between can enjoy these simple exercises as well. It is never too early to start training your brain and keeping it young and fit. Read this entire post on the Mindware Forum.
Braiversity for Macintosh on the iTunes Store
NovaMind Mind Mapping Software
NovaMind Mind Mapping Software for Windows and Macintosh came out in its first version back in 2002 but until now has not received the attention of programs like Mindjet’s MindManager or Tony Buzan’s iMind Map.
I say “until now” because I believe that NovaMind in its new Version 5 is will now be ranked in the top tier of software programs in the mind mapping genre .. and it may be heading for the Number 1 position. Continue reading on the Mindware Forum.
NovaMind 5 Pro for the Macintosh on the iTunes Store
Posit Science Brain Fitness Program
Its amazing how much quicker on your feet you will be after using The Brain Fitness Program, a cutting edge program by Posit Science. You will be able to think faster, focus better and remember more after an auditory memory tune-up using app.
The Brain Fitness Program features six computer-based exercises. These exercises speed up and sharpen how the brain processes and remembers sounds. Scientific studies show the Brain Fitness Program helps you remember more of what you hear, and pick up more details in conversation, music, movies, and every noisy, sound-rich setting. Continue reading on the Mindware Forum.
Get Posit Science Brainfitness program on Amazon!
In future posts, I plan to feature more in-depth reviews of the greatest new Mac apps in the Mindware tradition.
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