The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is crucially important for focus and attention.
RAS regulates where focus goes, managing the limited capacity of attention (7 ± 2 items).
Determines what information is prioritized and what is ignored.
Function of RAS
When you buy a car, you start noticing that car everywhere; not because there are more, but because your RAS is attuned to it.
Example: Noticing laptops in cafes when researching for one.
RAS is influenced by what is important to you at the moment.
Focus and state of mind are critical skills managed by RAS.
Influence of Self-Talk
Negative self-talk leads RAS to focus on negative aspects and vice versa.
Constantly telling yourself you are bad with names leads to forgetting names more often.
Positive affirmations can retrain the RAS to focus on positive aspects.
Example of Pregnant Women
A person with a pregnant spouse starts noticing more pregnant women; it's the same number, but RAS makes them more noticeable due to personal relevance.
Calibration of RAS
RAS is calibrated to self-talk and beliefs.
Negative beliefs about oneself will be reinforced by RAS, showing more negative evidence.
Positive beliefs and affirmations will lead RAS to show affirming evidence.
Practical Exercise
Simple exercise to demonstrate RAS: Focus on the color red.
Close eyes, visualize red.
Open eyes and notice red items in the room.
Discussion on how quickly the brain picks up the focused color.
Connection to Law of Attraction
RAS is similar to the concept of the Law of Attraction (The Secret).
Sensitizes actions and makes them more intentional towards visualized goals.
Visualization needs action for effectiveness.
Summary
RAS shows you what you believe about yourself and proves you right, even if wrong.
Positive self-talk and affirmations can change RAS calibration, leading to more positive outcomes.