Reset Your Instagram Algorithm – And Yourself

Holaaaaaaa!

Here we are in the second article of this newsletter.

I recently read that Instagram is now allowing users to reset their algorithm. How cool is that? You can clear out all the irrelevant recommendations and start fresh, teaching the app to reflect what you truly care about.

This newsletter is not about that, but if you want to do it, here is the link: https://lifehacker.com/tech/how-to-reset-your-instagram-algorithm

That got me thinking: what if we could reset ourselves the same way?

Yes, we can! Over the past decade, I’ve studied NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP) and learned techniques that are a lot like “resetting our algorithm.”

Why We Need a Reset

In neuroscience, our brain’s algorithm—the patterns we repeat daily—is shaped by two things:

1. Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to rewire itself based on repeated behaviors and thoughts.
2. Reticular Activating System (RAS): The filter in your brain that decides what information to focus on and what to ignore.

Just like Instagram, if you keep engaging with the wrong habits or thoughts, your brain will keep prioritizing them. And over time, those patterns can pull you further away from your goals.

The good news? You can hit “reset'' (kind of).

Understanding the Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Your RAS is like your brain’s personal algorithm, filtering what you notice and bringing relevant information to the forefront.

Here’s an example: imagine you’re pregnant. Suddenly, it feels like the world is filled with pregnant women. You notice baby stores everywhere, strollers on sidewalks, and conversations about baby names.

Did the world suddenly get overrun with pregnant women? No. Those things were always there. The difference is that your RAS is now tuned to pick up on them because pregnancy is a priority in your mind.

Last week, they almost put a cast on me. Now, I've started noticing a lot of people wearing casts too. It's not that more people suddenly got injured—it’s just that my RAS (Reticular Activating System) brings casts into focus because they’ve become relevant to my current situation.

The RAS is also why you learn a new word and then suddenly hear it everywhere. It’s why you can tune out the noise of a crowded room but immediately notice when someone says your name—or even something that sounds like it.

And let’s clarify: this isn’t about The Law of Attraction. I have nothing against it, but this isn’t about wanting something and magically having it appear. It’s about your brain’s capacity to filter and prioritize information based on what it deems important. The RAS helps you notice opportunities, patterns, and connections that were always there—you’re just consciously aware of them now.

This is the magic of the RAS—it highlights what you focus on, even if it’s subtle.

How to Reset Your Brain’s Algorithm

Resetting your brain’s algorithm involves actively deciding what you want to prioritize and teaching your mind to focus on it. Here’s how:

1. Audit Your Inputs Just like Instagram learns from your interactions, your brain learns from what you consume.

• Are the media you watch, the conversations you participate in, and the thoughts you entertain serving your goals? If not, it’s time to clear out the “irrelevant recommendations.”

2. Reprogram Your Focus Your RAS prioritizes what you tell it is important. Take control by:

• Writing down your top goals every day.
• Visualizing your desired outcomes in detail to reinforce them in your mind.
• Say your intentions out loud.Share them with your partner, family, or friends and repeat them aloud to yourself.

3. Break Old Patterns NLP(Neurolinguistic Programming) teaches us that interrupting repetitive thoughts and behaviors is the first step to change.

• Replace negative self-talk with empowering affirmations.
• Change your environment when you feel stuck—a quick walk or moving to a different workspace can shift your perspective. Force yourself out of the comfort zone.

4. Consistency in Action Be intentional about your daily actions:

• Ensure tasks and activities align with your priorities.
• Set boundaries around distractions. FOCUS.

A Fresh Start

Resetting isn’t about erasing everything—it’s about curating what serves you best. Like Instagram’s algorithm reset, you’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting from a place of clarity and intention.

We’re only a couple of months into our New Year’s Resolutions. If we set our intent and refocus, though, our RAS might help us out. Our brains are designed to look out for our best interests, with the RAS filtering through billions of pieces of data so we can see, hear, and move toward what we want to achieve.

Let’s say your intention is investing in startups. Suddenly, you start noticing podcasts discussing venture capital, bringing up the topic in conversations, and maybe even hearing about opportunities through a friend who knows a friend. The RAS isn’t creating these opportunities—it’s simply making you aware of what was already there, connecting the dots to align with your focus.

Ask yourself:

• What do I want my mind to prioritize?
• What thoughts or habits do I need to “mute”?
• How can I consistently “engage” with actions that align with my goals?

Your brain’s algorithm is always learning. Make sure it’s learning the right things.

Have you ever noticed your brain highlighting things you didn’t realize you cared about? Share an example!

With mucho cari?o and corporate vibes,

Daniela

(If you like it, share it. I will be very grateful)