Why Putting it in Writing Works

We all know that putting our goals in writing can make us more successful in life. We also know that when we focus on what we really want, we usually get it. But what is it that makes this work? It is our goal reaching mechanism in the brain; otherwise know as our Reticular Activating System or (RAS).

The Reticular Activating System’s function is to “turn on” our brains – it is the center of motivation. It’s connected from the spinal cord all the way up to the middle brain. This is where all outside stimulants (everything we taste, feel, smell, hear and touch) converges with all our internal thoughts and feelings.

The RAS determines whether a person is highly motivated or extremely bored. If this part of the brain were deactivated, you would end up in a coma. If it were over stimulated, you’d be focused on far too many things at once. People who suffer from ADD or ADHD may suffer from on over stimulated RAS.

The RAS is what keeps us in balance, controls our learning, our self-control or inhibition and our motivations. It also helps us to reach our goals. It does this by allowing us to stay focused and make decisions that move us toward our goals, as opposed to our dreams.

The most important aspect of setting goals…in order to reach them, we must first find something we love to do. It is much easier to remain focused on activities we enjoy. Once you are able to do that, you are on your way to real success.

In order for your RAS to work, you must practice goal setting. By putting your goals in writing, your RAS takes your internal thoughts and opens up the external world, which is full of information and enables you to focus on the desired accomplishment.

Focus on accomplishing your real dream, your real passion. Remember, you’ve got to set a goal on reaching it!