Making the most of our grey matter... how positive affirmations can power your recticular activating system for good

Ever wondered why when you have decided to buy a particular model of car and are awaiting delivery you see lots of similar cars to yours on the road?

Here’s the science…

The reticular activating system (RAS) is a part of the brain that filters the information we receive from our senses and determines what we pay attention to.

The RAS, is a network of nerve cells that serve as a filter for the information that enters our brain. It's responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle, our level of alertness, and our ability to focus on important information whilst filtering out distractions. It works by prioritising sensory information based on its relevance to our beliefs, goals and interests. When we set a goal or focus our attention on a particular task, the RAS begins to filter out irrelevant information and amplify the sensory input that is most relevant to our goal. If we believe something to be true our RAS amplifies inputs that confirm our belief.

If we know how our RAS works… how can we make it work for us?

The RAS is a powerful tool that can be used to improve our focus and productivity, and one way to do that is through the use of positive affirmations.

Positive affirmations are statements that reflect positive thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about ourselves and our abilities. By repeating these affirmations regularly, we can train our brain to focus on the positive and filter out negative thoughts and distractions. This can help us stay focused and motivated throughout the day, leading to a more productive and fulfilling experience.

To use your RAS and positive affirmations to have a better, day, try the following:

1.   Start with a positive affirmation. Choose a statement that reflects a positive belief about yourself or your abilities, such as "I am capable of achieving my goals" or "I am confident in my abilities" or “I can do this” Repeat this affirmation several times to help your brain focus on the positive.

2.   Visualize success. Close your eyes and imagine yourself succeeding in a specific task or achieving a goal. This visualization can help activate the RAS and encourage your brain to focus on the actions that will lead to success.

3.   Set clear goals. Identify specific tasks or goals for the day, and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.

4.   Use positive self-talk. Throughout the day, use positive self-talk to reinforce your affirmations and keep your mind focused on the positive. For example, if you're feeling stressed, repeat a calming affirmation like "I am in control of my thoughts and feelings" or "I can handle this situation with ease."

By using positive affirmations and activating your RAS, you can have a more productive and fulfilling day. M4C can help you develop strategies to improve your focus and productivity, and achieve your business goals.

Contact us today to learn more.