Have you ever noticed that when you focus on something, it seems to pop up everywhere?
Like when you start thinking about getting a new car, and suddenly, you start seeing that exact model on every street?
That’s not a coincidence, it’s actually a powerful part of your brain at work called the Reticular Activating System (RAS).
Your RAS is a filter in your brain that takes in the millions of details and bits of information you encounter every day and filters it based on what you’re actively focusing on.
So, when you set clear goals or intentions, your brain actually helps you spot things related to those goals. This is a game-changer for personal growth because you’re literally wiring your brain to see the opportunities you want!
Below is a breakdown of how you can use this brain trick to create a focused, goal-driven mindset that actually works in your favor.
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Why Your Focus Shapes Your Reality
The RAS is what allows us to “notice” things we’re focusing on while filtering out everything else. For instance, if you focus on how tired and stressed you are, guess what?
Your brain will serve up all the reasons why you’re tired and stressed.
But if you focus on a goal, like building a healthy routine, achieving career milestones, or nurturing relationships, your RAS helps you notice all the small things in your day that could support those goals.
This is why focusing on what you do want, not what you don’t want, is so key. Because, like the saying goes… “Where focus goes, energy flows.”
How to Make Your RAS Work for You
So how do you activate this built-in tool and make it work for you? It’s actually pretty simple (but powerful). Here are my go-to tips:
Get Specific with Your Goals
The RAS loves details. Instead of vague goals like, “I want to be happier,” get specific. Try something like, “I will spend 30 minutes each morning journaling and reflecting.” Or, “I will reach out to one friend each week to deepen my connections.” The more precise you are, the easier it is for your RAS to tune into things that will actually help you accomplish what you’re setting out to do.
Write Down Your Goals and Affirmations Daily
Taking a few minutes every day to write down your goals and affirmations is like giving your brain a little reminder of what matters to you. When you write these down, you’re physically setting intentions that your brain will start to pick up on throughout the day. And it doesn’t have to be complicated! Write them as if they’re already happening. For example: “I am thriving in my healthy routine” or “I am connecting deeply with my friends and family.”
This is exactly why I created the Hyper Focus Journal—it’s designed to help you stay consistent with this habit and make it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Use Affirmations to Lock in Your Focus
Affirmations aren’t just motivational phrases—they’re signals you’re sending to your RAS. When you repeat affirmations like “I am focused and intentional” or “I am making strides toward my goals,” your RAS will keep that top of mind. This also helps counter any negative self-talk, which can derail your focus and lead to distractions.
Try these simple affirmations:
- “I am open to opportunities that support my growth.”
- “I am capable and worthy of achieving my goals.”
- “I am present and focused in my daily life.”
Visualize tour Goals Like They’re Already Real
Visualization might feel a little out there, but trust me—this works. Take a few minutes to imagine achieving your goal. See it, feel it, even get excited about it! When you do this, you’re conditioning your RAS to recognize similar experiences in real life, which helps you stay motivated and focused. It’s a mental “rehearsal” that strengthens your belief that these things can (and will) happen.
Replace Negative Self-Talk with Positive Self-Talk
Your RAS doesn’t judge—it just serves up what you focus on. So if your self-talk is full of “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this,” guess what? Your RAS will keep showing you reasons why those things are true. Instead, try catching yourself in those moments and replacing them with affirmations. Even something as simple as switching “I’ll never get this right” to “I’m learning and growing” can create a positive shift.
The Power of a Morning Routine
The best time to start engaging your RAS is in the morning. By setting goals, affirmations, and intentions right at the start of your day, you’re laying the groundwork for a positive, focused day.
This is why a morning routine can be so transformative. It doesn’t have to be an hour-long ritual, either. Just a few focused minutes with your thoughts, writing, and intentions can make a massive difference.
The Hyper Focus Journal was created with this in mind, helping you establish a morning routine that’s easy to stick with and that gets you into the right headspace right from the get-go. Whether it’s writing down goals, expressing gratitude, or setting an affirmation, these little practices are what keep your RAS tuned into the things that matter most.
Extra Tips to Elevate Your Routine
If you’re already doing these things, here are a few bonus tips to keep your momentum going:
- Add in gratitude practice. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Gratitude shifts your focus to what’s good, which enhances positivity.
- Set micro-goals. Sometimes, a big goal can feel overwhelming. Break it down into smaller tasks and focus on them one day at a time.
- End your day with reflection. Before bed, review what you accomplished. This reflection can boost your confidence and set you up for a positive mindset the next morning.
Final Thoughts
The Reticular Activating System is powerful, but only if you’re intentional about how you use it. When you focus on what you truly want, your brain will help you find the path to get there. And if you’re looking for a way to make this process a habit, the Hyper Focus Journal is here to guide you.
With 70% off right now, there’s no better time to grab one and start creating a morning routine that works with your mind—not against it.
Here’s to a new level of focus, clarity, and goal-crushing. You’ve got this!
