Our mindset plays a crucial role in our pursuit of success, and one remarkable aspect of our brain that profoundly influences our mindset is the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Often overlooked, the RAS acts as a powerful filter that shapes our focus, attention, and perception. In this blog post, we will explore the function and potential of the RAS and discover how understanding and harnessing it can significantly impact our ability to achieve success.
Located in the brainstem, the Reticular Activating System is a network of nerve cells that serves as a gatekeeper to our conscious awareness. It filters the immense amount of sensory information we encounter, such as attention, arousal, and the ability to focus. By deciding what we notice and what we ignore, the RAS plays a pivotal role in shaping our reality, thoughts, emotions, and actions.
The RAS exerts a profound influence on our mindset and our capacity to achieve success. When we establish clear goals and align our focus accordingly, the RAS acts as a guidance system. It filters incoming information, actively seeking out opportunities, resources, and connections that align with our objectives. By programming our minds to prioritize success-related stimuli, we become more attuned to opportunities that may have previously gone unnoticed.
The RAS is closely linked to the effectiveness of visualization and positive thinking. By vividly imagining our desired outcomes and affirming them with positive thoughts, we send powerful signals to the RAS. This prompts the RAS to filter in information and opportunities that support our visualizations, leading us to take actions in alignment with our goals. As a result, the RAS acts as a partner to our mindset, reinforcing our beliefs and propelling us toward success.
To wire our mindset for success through the RAS, intentional steps are required.
- First, think of the goal or situation you would like
- Then, think about the experience or the outcome you’d like
- Create a mental movie/visualization of how you picture your goal/situation ideally turning out in the future. Be specific in noticing the sounds, conversations, visuals and details of that mental movie. Replay this movie often in your head.
In this way, we train our Reticular Activating System (RAS) in letting our subconscious and conscious work together to make it happen and bring our dreams to life. You can train your brain to focus and attract the things that matter to you.
Keep leveraging the power of the RAS by paying attention to success-oriented environments and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. Engaging in activities such as reading success stories, attending seminars, or joining supportive communities can program the RAS to filter in relevant information and opportunities.
The Reticular Activating System, often overlooked but powerful, significantly shapes our mindset and influences our perception of the world. By understanding its function and consciously utilizing it, we can wire our mindset for success. Through goal setting, visualization, positive affirmations, and exposure to success-oriented environments, we program the RAS to seek out opportunities aligned with our goals.
Ultimately, by working in harmony with the RAS, we unlock our full potential and embark on the path to achieving the success we desire.
