Have you ever decided to buy a specific car model, and suddenly you see it everywhere on the road? Did everyone suddenly buy that car? No. It was always there; your brain just started noticing it.
This phenomenon is powered by the Reticular Activating System (RAS).
What is the RAS?
The RAS is a bundle of nerves at our brainstem that filters out unnecessary information so the important stuff gets through. Your brain is bombarded with millions of bits of data every second. If you processed it all, you’d go crazy. The RAS is the bouncer at the door of your conscious mind.
Programming the Bouncer
The RAS doesn't decide what's important on its own—it takes instructions from you.
- If you focus on "debt" and "scarcity," your RAS will filter in bills, rising prices, and reasons to worry.
- If you focus on "opportunity" and "abundance," your RAS will filter in potential clients, investment ideas, and helpful connections.
Affirmations as RAS Commands
Affirmations are essentially commands you send to your RAS. When you repeat, "I am surrounded by opportunities for wealth," you are telling your RAS: "This is important. Watch out for this."
The Scientific Consequence
Once programmed, your RAS will bring things to your attention that were previously background noise.
- You might notice a job posting you would have scrolled past.
- You might hear a conversation in a coffee shop that leads to a business idea.
- You might spot a solution to a problem that seemed impossible yesterday.
This isn't "magic" manifestation; it's selective attention.
How to Optimize Your RAS
- Be Specific: Vague goals give vague instructions. Instead of "I want money," try "I am open to new income streams in my creative field."
- Visualize: The RAS responds strongly to imagery. Visualize the outcome while you say your affirmation.
- Repeat Daily: Remind the "bouncer" every morning what is on the VIP list for the day.
Use your RAS to your advantage. Stop filtering for fear and start filtering for fortune.
