Three Practical Tips to Activate Your RAS for Success
Did you know that there is a network of neurons in the brainstem whose primary role is to help us decide what we pay attention to? It’s called the reticular activating system (RAS).
One of the ways we can enhance our productivity and boost our confidence daily is by understanding and leveraging the power of the RAS.
- Set Clear and Specific Goals. Your RAS thrives on clarity. So provide your brain with a clear roadmap. Instead of saying, ‘Today I will be productive,’ show your brain exactly what that means. (e.g. I will complete tasks A, B and C by 5 pm). This gives your RAS something concrete to focus on, boosting your productivity and confidence as you check off each task.
- Repeat Positive Affirmations. The RAS is highly responsive to repetition, especially when linked to our emotions. Regularly repeating affirmations like, ‘I can speak clearly and calmly in my 1-1 with my boss’ or ‘I can work my way through this challenge today’, you programme your brain to filter for success-related stimuli. This then reinforces your belief in your abilities over time.
- Visualise Success. Your RAS is incredibly powerful when it comes to visualisation. Anticipating success and seeing yourself achieving a specific goal will trigger your RAS to seek opportunities aligning with your vision. Even better? Don’t just ‘see’ it – bring all your senses to life. What do you hear when you’ve achieved that goal? What do you feel?
Your RAS is a gate.
Let it do its best work!
This week’s activity: If there’s something you want to remember to do daily, write it down and have it somewhere you can see it. When I was writing my book, I had a post-it note on my screen that said ‘Amazon Bestselling Author’. It reminded me of my goal and motivated me to write every day. A visual image can work just as well.
P.S. The RAS is powerful. Setting an important goal and making a decision you’re going to achieve it is powerful. Staying on track even when the s**t hits the fan is powerful. Doing all of this surrounded by people just like you who ‘get it’ is gold. My 90 day Lead with Confidence programme (starting in April) is a safe and intimate container to do all of that and more. Click here for the details.