Ever notice how, after buying a car, you suddenly see that car everywhere? You’re driving along, minding your business, and—bam!—there’s your car at every stoplight, in every parking lot, and cruising down every freeway. You start thinking, Did the whole city suddenly decide to copy me?
Nope. That’s not what’s happening. What you’re experiencing is the magical, marvelous, working-behind-the-scenes part of your brain called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). This little part of your brainstem is the reason you’re noticing that car everywhere. And guess what? You can train it to work in your favor—not just to see your car, but to see opportunities, achieve your goals, and (this is the fun part) influence others.
Now, before we dive into all of that, let me tell you a story.
The Car Hunt That Changed Everything
A little while back, I decided it was time for a new car. Not just any car, though—a brand-spanking-new car. I wanted something sleek, stylish, with all the bells and whistles. You know, the kind of car that makes you feel like you’ve arrived. After a lot of test drives and showroom visits, I found the one. It was love at first sight.
But here’s the funny part: the moment I drove that car off the lot, it was like my car started multiplying. Everywhere I looked, there it was. Red lights, grocery store parking lots, even my neighbor’s driveway—my car was suddenly everywhere.
At first, I thought, Is this some kind of cosmic joke? But then I remembered: this is my RAS in action. My brain decided, This car is important to you, so let’s make sure you see it.
Your RAS is like a personal assistant for your brain—it filters out the noise and shines a spotlight on what you’ve told it to focus on. And here’s the kicker: you can train it to work on more than just spotting cars. You can use it to notice opportunities, stay locked in on your goals, and even guide other people’s focus. Let me show you how.
What Is the RAS—and Why Does It Matter?
The RAS is a network of neurons in your brainstem that acts like a bouncer at an exclusive club. Every second, your brain is bombarded with millions of pieces of information—sounds, sights, smells, emails, TikToks, everything. Without your RAS, your brain would be completely overwhelmed.
Instead, the RAS steps in and says, “Okay, what’s important here? What should Mimi focus on?” If you’ve told your brain that something matters, the RAS will filter through the noise and make sure you notice it.
Here’s the thing, though: your RAS isn’t picky. If you’re constantly thinking, “I’m not good enough,” your RAS will filter the world to show you proof of that. But if you program it with positive, intentional focus? Honey, your brain will start pointing out opportunities like a GPS set to success.
Training Your Own RAS
Your RAS doesn’t work automatically—you’ve got to teach it what matters. Think of it like giving your brain a to-do list. Here’s how to get started:
1. Set Clear Intentions
Your RAS thrives on specifics. If you give it vague instructions, it won’t know what to do.
- Instead of saying, “I want to do better at work,” try: “I’m going to lead the most productive meeting of the month.”
- Instead of, “I need more clients,” say: “I’m going to connect with three decision-makers this week.”
2. Use Daily Affirmations
Now, I know affirmations sound a little woo-woo for some folks, but trust me, they work. Your words train your brain.
- Examples:
- “I am confident and capable of achieving my goals.”
- “I attract opportunities effortlessly.”
3. Create a Vision Board
Your RAS loves visuals. Fill your vision board with images and quotes that reflect your goals, and watch how your brain starts zeroing in on opportunities to make it happen.
4. Practice Gratitude
Here’s the magic of gratitude: when you focus on what’s already good in your life, your RAS starts looking for more good things. Write down three things you’re grateful for every day and watch the abundance flow in.
Using the RAS to Influence Others
Now that you know how to train your RAS, let’s talk about how to use this same power to guide someone else’s focus. This is where influence gets fun!
1. Frame the Conversation
When you guide what someone notices, you guide their decisions.
- Instead of: “We can’t afford to fail,” say: “Here’s how we’re going to succeed.”
- Instead of: “This project is a mess,” say: “This project has a ton of potential, and here’s how we’ll unlock it.”
2. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
The RAS loves patterns. Repetition makes your message stick.
- Example: “This strategy will save time, improve teamwork, and increase revenue.” By the third time, their brain locks in.
3. Ask the Right Questions
Questions force the brain to focus. Ask intentionally to guide attention:
- Leadership: “What’s one thing we can do right now to move closer to our goal?”
- Sales: “What would success look like for you in this situation?”
4. Evoke Emotion
The RAS is deeply tied to emotions. Use stories, metaphors, and inspiring language to make your message unforgettable.
- Example: “Imagine walking into a room and knowing your team is aligned, motivated, and ready to crush their goals. That’s what this approach is all about.”
5. Use Visual Cues
Pair your words with visuals to double the impact. Charts, images, or even a powerful metaphor can help lock in your message.
The Power of Focus
Here’s the deal: your RAS is always working—it’s just a matter of whether it’s working for you or against you. By training your brain to notice opportunities and guiding the focus of others, you unlock a level of influence that’s downright life-changing.
Your Turn: Start Influencing Today
Take control of your RAS and start shaping your world. Download my free RAS Activation Journal to map your goals, practice intentional focus, and become the kind of leader and communicator people can’t ignore.
Because once you see the opportunities, you’ll never stop spotting them—and neither will they.