One of the key components of goal setting is attention. Focusing attention to our goals forces our brain to begin to change and allow us to achieve those goals. The brain does this through neuroplasticity: the ability of our brain to modify neuronal connections over time. Hence by the mere thought of doing something, our brain starts an immediate change of neuronal connections that puts us closer to achieving that goal.
One particular system we all possess is the Reticular Activating System (RAS). It is located at the base of our brain where the brain stem connects. One of the main functions of the RAS is to act as a gatekeeper filtering information from our outside world such as sounds, images, etc. Almost like an executive assistant filters which calls get to her boss and which ones don't. It is estimated that our conscious mind processes an average of 20-40 bits per second and our subconscious mind 20-40 million bits per second! You can see why it is so important to filter all that information. Our brain would short-circuit if we had to make a conscious effort to process all that data.
One clear example of how the system works is when you start noticing a specific product such as a car. As your brain is obtaining cues about that car from multiple sources (TV, friend, magazine, radio, etc.) you start noticing the car everywhere whenever you are driving. It was always there, but your RAS was filtering it until you focused on it. All those cues about that car are in your subconscious mind and when your brain notices it somewhere it brings it to your conscious mind.
So what does my RAS have to do with reaching my goals?
Let’s begin by saying that the RAS allows us to focus on what matters to us. And while what matters to us might not be evident at all times, subconsciously our brain has a pretty good idea. Setting goals tells your subconscious mind that you want something in particular. The RAS system then starts filtering these things and only allows them to show up. Your gate keeper will be filtering unwanted information and only letting relevant information go through.
It is also important to know that your RAS is always listening or scanning for cues and bits of info that are relevant and will only let through information that is needed for that goal or dream you've been setting up for. This will in turn affect in a way the world around you, and begin to provide you the tools necessary to achieve results. Not by an art of magic or just because you desire it, but because your brain is focused on that task and is making a conscious effort to filter and obtain the pieces you need to achieve that goal.
The neuroscience behind "The Secret and the Laws of Attraction"
I am sure many of you heard of, read, or even watched "The Secret". In this great motivational movie, it is explained how the forces of the universe work in conjunction with an individual to achieve anything we want as long as we truly desire it long enough.
As you might have suspected by now the whole theory behind the laws of attraction fall back on our ability to focus and filter undesired information. This means we owe it to our RAS. When we want something such as a better car, lose weight, more money or to be happier we are priming our brains with these ideas. By visualizing the things we desire, we are telling our brain to stay alert so when our senses (visual, olfactory, auditory, etc.) come in contact with anything related to what we want, our RAS will filter it out and bring it to our attention.
Let me give you an example that will help you visualize what I am saying here. Suppose you are at a conference and there are hundreds of people mingling around you. You are having a conversation with a colleague about your family life. There are also hundreds of conversations happening at the same time but although you hear them, you can’t really listen to what they are saying. Your brain is filtering them because you are focused on your own conversation.
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