So there’s this thing called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). This tiny little system at the base of your brain (see the picture above?) and it plays a BIG role in shaping your life.
Let’s talk about how the RAS works and how you can hack it to create the life you want.
At every moment, your environment is bombarding your brain with millions of bits of data.
There are hundreds of things in your vision…
Your ears are taking in ten different kinds of sounds…
Your skin is experiencing distinct sensations all over your body…
Now your brain can only process so much at a time. It also needs to make sure you react quickly to any dangers or big opportunities. So it cannot take in everything at equal value. This is where your Reticular Activating System comes in. It acts as a filter and eliminates the white noise.
Ever been in a crowd full of talking people and immediately had your attention drawn towards someone who mentioned your name?
Ever wondered how you instantly notice an insect crawling on the wall even if you’re too focused on your phone?
Your RAS filter is doing that. What gets through the RAS? Only the stuff that’s important to you.
When any information gets past the RAS, it enters the cerebrum and is then converted into conscious thoughts and emotions.
All of this happens without you even being aware of it. Pretty cool, right?
The Reticular Activating System works at an even deeper level. It helps you see what you’d “like” to see and so, influences your actions.
Take all your beliefs. They are important to you (blame the ego). So, the RAS seeks information that validates your beliefs and reaffirms them (Confirmation Bias).
You literally create your own reality and then operate within that reality. This is why negative self-talk is so damaging. You are what you believe yourself to be.
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t‚ you’re right.”
Relevant Plug: Belief System — The Architecture of Your Life
Over their lifetime, most people program their “RAS” with a lot of self-limiting beliefs and trivial stuff that they consider important. Most of the time, it happens sub-consciously through the content they consume. Or through poor role-models in their life.
But, now that we know how the RAS shapes our life, let’s see how we can use it to create the life we want.
One of the most valuable skills we can ever develop is that of directing our thoughts towards our goals. Constantly.
The problem is, we all want many things at once. Stop doing that. Decide on two or three goals. Make them specific and measurable. Be intentional.
“When you set your intent, you are marrying your subconscious mind with your conscious will to make something happen.”
And then constantly remind yourself about your goals. Repetition is key. In doing so, you’ll be re-programming your RAS and telling your brain what to pay attention to.
You’re saying — “THIS IS IMPORTANT“
As a result, you’ll start tuning in to the right information relevant to your goals. You’ll be more aware of the opportunities in your environment. And you’ll be more likely to act on them.
This is the simple science behind writing down your goals / visualization / affirmations. So do that stuff. Write down your goals. Put them on your phone’s lock screen. Slap them on your wardrobe.
The more you keep your goals at the top of your mind, the more your subconscious mind will work to reach them.
Relevant Plug: Hyperbolic Discounting — What Makes Something a Priority
“What you think about, you bring about.”
And be aware of the kind of content you consume. The accounts you follow, the books you read, the TV shows you watch, the music you listen to, the people you befriend, etc. Everything shapes your beliefs and values at the sub-conscious level. Have no room for negativity.
Remember, intention facilitates perception.
You won’t stumble upon big opportunities going through life staring blankly at the crowd. But you will spot them unfailingly when you look specifically and persistently for them.
Here’s a cool video that talks more about this: Unlocking The Screen of Your Mind
Seek and ye shall find.
Thank you for reading. Most of the content on this website has emerged from conversations with readers like you.
Every Sunday, I send out an email dissecting some aspect of the human mind.
If you can take out a few minutes every week, I’ll help you develop a strong understanding of how your mind works. So that you can have more control over your thoughts, behavior, and life.
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