HOW TO TRAIN YOUR BRAIN TO GET WHAT YOU WANT IN LIFE
- Jamie K
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 6

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a crucial yet often overlooked component of the brain that can significantly impact how we achieve our goals and aspirations. Understanding and harnessing the power of the RAS can help you focus on what you truly want in life and make those dreams a reality. This article explores how to leverage the RAS to achieve your personal and professional goals.
How to Use the Reticular Activating System to Get What You Want in Life
Understanding the Reticular Activating System- How to train your brain
The RAS is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a key role in regulating wakefulness, attention, and consciousness. It functions as a filter for sensory information, determining which stimuli are important enough to be brought to our conscious awareness. This filtering process is essential for managing the vast amount of information we encounter daily, an this is how to train your brain for success.
When you focus your attention on specific goals or desires, the RAS helps filter relevant information and opportunities from the noise of everyday life. By strategically directing the RAS, you can make your goals more achievable.
1. Define Clear and Specific Goals
The first step in using the RAS to your advantage is to define clear and specific goals. Vague goals like "I want to be successful" are less effective than specific ones like "I want to achieve a promotion at work within the next year." The RAS responds better to specific, detailed goals because they provide a clear target for your focus.
To define clear goals, use the SMART criteria:
- Specific: Clearly define what you want.
- Measurable: Determine how you will measure progress.
- Achievable: Ensure that the goal is realistic.
- Relevant: Align the goal with your broader objectives.
- Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving the goal.
For example, rather than saying, "I want to be healthier," specify "I will exercise for 30 minutes five days a week for the next three months."
2. Visualize Your Goals
Visualization is a powerful technique that helps engage the RAS. When you vividly imagine achieving your goals, you activate neural pathways associated with success. This mental practice can increase your motivation and focus.
Create a vision board or spend a few minutes each day imagining the successful completion of your goals. Picture the process, the emotions you will experience, and the benefits you will enjoy. The more detailed your visualization, the more effectively the RAS will filter relevant information.
3. Use Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that reinforce your belief in your goals. By repeating affirmations, you can reprogram your subconscious mind and strengthen the connection between your desires and your actions.
Craft affirmations that are positive, present tense, and focused on your goals. For example:
- “I am confident and successful in my career.”
- “I am dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
Repeat these affirmations daily to keep your goals at the forefront of your mind and to help the RAS filter out distractions.
4. Surround Yourself with Reminders
Physical reminders can help keep your goals in your daily awareness. These reminders can be anything from sticky notes on your mirror to a daily planner. The goal is to keep your objectives visible and top of mind.
When you surround yourself with visual cues related to your goals, the RAS will be more likely to identify opportunities and resources that can help you achieve them. Place reminders in places where you will see them frequently.
5. Stay Engaged with Your Goals
Regularly engaging with your goals helps maintain your focus. Create a routine that includes activities related to your goals, and track your progress. This engagement ensures that your goals remain a central part of your daily life and reinforces their importance to your RAS.
Keep a journal to record your progress, setbacks, and successes. Reflect on your experiences and adjust your strategies as needed. This ongoing engagement will help you stay aligned with your goals.
6. Seek Out Opportunities and Build Networks
The RAS helps you notice opportunities and connections that align with your goals. By actively seeking out opportunities and building relationships, you can increase the chances of achieving your objectives.
Attend events, join groups, and network with individuals who share your interests or goals. The more you immerse yourself in environments where your goals are relevant, the more likely you are to encounter helpful information and people.
7. Maintain a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset influences the RAS by helping you focus on opportunities rather than obstacles. When you approach challenges with optimism, you are more likely to see solutions and remain motivated.
Cultivate positivity through practices like gratitude, mindfulness, and self-compassion. By focusing on the positive aspects of your journey, you encourage the RAS to highlight opportunities and resources.
8. Take Action
Action is a critical component of using the RAS effectively. While the RAS can help you identify opportunities, you must take deliberate steps toward your goals.
Break your goals into manageable tasks and create a plan of action. Commit to regular, consistent efforts and adapt your strategies based on feedback and results. The RAS will support your efforts by keeping you attuned to relevant information and opportunities.
9. Reflect and Adjust
Regular reflection helps you evaluate your progress and make necessary adjustments. This process ensures that you stay on track toward your goals and continue to utilize the RAS effectively.
Set aside time to review your goals, assess your progress, and identify any obstacles or new opportunities. Use this reflection to refine your goals and strategies, keeping the RAS focused on your evolving objectives.
The Reticular Activating System is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals and realize your dreams. By understanding how the RAS functions and implementing strategies to focus your attention on your goals, you can make significant progress toward what you want in life.
Define clear goals, visualize success, use positive affirmations, and surround yourself with reminders. Stay engaged with your goals, seek opportunities, maintain a positive mindset, take consistent action, and reflect regularly. By integrating these practices into your life, you can harness the power of the RAS to achieve your aspirations and create the life you desire.
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