Do you ever get a new vehicle thinking that you are the only one with that model or color, and then all of a sudden you start seeing the same one everywhere you go?
RAS
Reticular Activating System.
It's the awesome computer in our brain that most of us never use on purpose.
What we think defines who we are.
It's not that there are more blue trucks on the road than before, you're just now thinking of blue trucks so you see more of them.
But it's not just thoughts on vehicles, it's everything.
Every day we have thousands of thoughts that seem to leap in and out of our minds.
Those thoughts greatly define who we become and what we achieve.
Think about the kinds of thoughts you've had today.
People tend to dwell on what's not working, and our thoughts are dominated by problems and self-criticism.
The RAS is the attitude programming in the brain, and you can control it.
So if you're telling yourself you can't do something, you won't be able to do it.
Worrying has the same effect.
Attitude is the only thing we can control in life, yet it's also the most powerful.
A very efficient machine, the RAS zeros in on any area of interest.
So if our attitude is negative, we're going to have negative outcomes.
So, what does all of this mean for you?
If you're looking to achieve certain outcomes in life and in fitness, immerse yourself in positive thoughts about it.
Any statement you make to yourself makes a thread in your brain and the more thoughts on that topic that stronger the thread.
So why not make them positive thoughts?
It's the only way to get a positive outcome.
That's why goal setting and gratitude journaling are two of our favorite tools.
Goals focus your attention and force your brain to attract what you want.
Most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning a life.
Setting goals in every aspect of life, including fitness, puts your RAS to work.
Having a daily practice of gratitude, it can be as simple as three things your grateful for before you get out of bed every morning, can have a profound impact on your RAS, and positively impact the entire day, leading to more positive outcomes.
I know it can be challenging, but just like when you think about blue vehicles you see blue vehicles, when you think about positive success, you get positive success.
1% Better.
Dedicated to Your Success,
Doug Spurling