What is the RAS?

RAS

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in attention, focus, and perception. Think of it as your brain’s filtering system, deciding what information is important and what can be ignored. Without it, your brain would be overwhelmed by the millions of stimuli you encounter every second. Have you ever noticed that once you focus on something, it seems to appear everywhere? Whether it’s a certain car model, a new word, or an opportunity, it feels like the universe is suddenly bringing it into your awareness. This isn’t magic—it’s your Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work!

How the RAS Works

The RAS acts like a gatekeeper between your subconscious and conscious mind. It processes incoming sensory information and determines what should be brought to your attention. This explains why:

• When you decide to buy a red car, suddenly, you start seeing red cars everywhere.

• If you're expecting a baby, you notice pregnant women more often.

• When you focus on a goal, you start spotting opportunities related to it.

The reason? Your brain is programmed to prioritize what you focus on.

How to Use the RAS to Your Advantage

You can train your RAS to work in your favor by intentionally focusing on what you want to achieve. Here’s how:

1. Set Clear Goals

The more specific you are about your goals, the better your RAS can help you. Instead of saying, “I want to be successful,” define what success looks like—whether it's a promotion, financial freedom, or improved health.

2. Use Visualization

Your brain doesn’t differentiate between real and vividly imagined experiences. By visualizing your goals daily, you signal to your RAS that this is important, making you more likely to recognize opportunities that align with your vision.

3. Practice Positive Affirmations

Repeating positive affirmations (e.g., “I am confident and capable”) helps rewire your brain to focus on opportunities rather than obstacles. Your RAS then works to reinforce this belief by highlighting evidence that supports it. Or I will put my hand on my heart and say, "Becky I am okay. I am safe. I am loved."

4. Surround Yourself with Reinforcement

The more you expose yourself to positive influences—whether it’s books, podcasts, or people who inspire you—the more your RAS will filter in similar opportunities and ideas.

5. Take Action

Your RAS helps you spot opportunities, but you must act on them! Whether it’s reaching out to a new contact, applying for a job, or starting a new habit, taking action reinforces your brain’s new focus.

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is designed to filter out unnecessary information, but there are certain things it can’t ignore because they are crucial for survival and awareness. These include:

1. Your Name

• No matter how loud or busy an environment is, if someone says your name, your RAS instantly tunes in. So, I might say to myself. "Good morning, Becky or Good night, Becky." My RAS will pay more attention to it, if I use my name.

• This is because recognizing your name is tied to identity, social connection, and potential threats.

2. Threats or Danger

• Your RAS is wired for survival, so it can’t ignore signs of danger like:

  • Sudden loud noises

  • Rapid movement (e.g., something flying toward you)

  • Aggressive body language

• This is part of the brain’s fight-or-flight response.

3. Emotionally Charged Information

• Your brain prioritizes information linked to strong emotions, whether positive or negative.

• That’s why you remember embarrassing moments, intense arguments, or exciting news more vividly than random details.

4. What You’re Focused On

• If you set a goal or become obsessed with something (e.g., buying a new car, learning a skill), your RAS starts noticing related opportunities everywhere.

• This is why visualization and affirmations work—they program your RAS to seek out what matters to you.

Final Thought

Your RAS is a powerful tool—what you focus on grows! So, make sure you're training it to prioritize goals, opportunities, and positivity rather than distractions or fears. 🚀

Want to learn how to fine-tune your RAS for success? 😃

Unlocking the Power of Your Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The Reticular Activating System is a powerful tool that can help you reshape your reality by focusing your attention on what truly matters. By setting clear goals, visualizing success, using affirmations, and taking action, you can train your brain to work for you, not against you. So, what are you programming your RAS to focus on today? Look for hearts in the natural environment. Tell your RAS what is important to you. You will start to see them everywhere. You ARE changing your brain! YOU are rewiring your brain at that moment.