Our Eyes See and our Ears Hear what our Brain is Thinking: The Power of the Reticular Activating System

In the journey to elevated performance, there are key principles that separate those who reach the highest levels from those who remain stuck in mediocrity. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been diving into the Three Critical Mindsteps of elevated performance. Today, let’s focus on Mindstep #2: Dream on Purpose. Within this mindstep, Step A is perhaps the most crucial—it’s the act of visualizing and writing things down.

But why is this so important? The reason is rooted in science, specifically in a part of the brain known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS). The RAS plays a critical role in bridging our subconscious and conscious thoughts. It ensures that what we deeply desire and think about consistently starts to manifest in our lives.

The Science Behind Visualization

There’s an old saying: "Our eyes see, and our ears hear what our brain is thinking." This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s grounded in the science of how the RAS functions. The RAS takes what we are subconsciously thinking about and brings it into our conscious awareness. Essentially, once we visualize something, our brain works 24/7 to notice opportunities, details, and patterns that align with that vision—even when we’re not actively thinking about it.

You may have experienced this phenomenon in daily life. For example, imagine you’re in the market for a new car. Once you’ve decided on the specific brand, model, or even the color, it seems like you see that car everywhere. It’s not that the car suddenly appeared in more places; those cars were always there. However, your brain had not yet activated your RAS to notice them. Once activated, the RAS filters out irrelevant information and allows you to see what’s aligned with your focus.

Applying the RAS to Your Goals

Now, think about how this principle applies to achieving your biggest goals. When you take time to seriously visualize and write down what you want, you’re activating your RAS. The more detailed and specific you are, the more you prime your brain to work on your goals, even when you're not consciously thinking about them. This is why Dreaming on Purpose is so powerful.

Top performers in any field—from Hall of Famers to world-class leaders—understand this. They don’t just vaguely wish for success. They visualize it in specific, vivid detail. They write it down. And in doing so, they activate their RAS, which works tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality.

Why It Works

The science behind the RAS makes it clear: when you focus on something important, your brain prioritizes it. The RAS acts as a filter for the thousands of bits of information we receive daily, allowing us to notice only what is relevant to our goals. This means that as you focus on your vision and goals through visualization and writing, your brain becomes a powerful tool that’s constantly at work, moving you closer to success.

In the end, those who Dream on Purpose don’t just stumble into success—they consciously create it by activating their RAS and letting their brain and body work together to achieve what they’ve envisioned. The next time you set a goal, don’t just think about it—visualize it, write it down, and let your RAS do the work.

Ready to unlock the full power of your mind?

The Reticular Activating System isn’t just a theory; it’s baked in science. By taking control of this powerful part of your brain, you can transform your dreams into reality. So, whether it’s a car, a career milestone, or a life goal, remember to activate your RAS. Dream on Purpose, visualize your goals, write them down, and watch as your brain works 24/7 to make it all happen.

Take the first step toward transforming your dreams into reality.

P.S. Want immediate tips? Download our "10 Surefire Ways to Elevate Your Performance" for free!

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