What’s in the way of you getting what you want?

In a recent post, I discussed how working out what you really really want for yourself is key to creating a fulfilling life. If you want to read more about this, take a look at ‘What do you really really want?’ over on my website. There’s also a free download to help you decide what it is that you really want. It’s different for each of us.

Activate your Reticular Activating System to get what you want

The next question is, then, what happens once you know what you want? Sometimes, just knowing what you want is enough to make it happen. Making that desire conscious means you’re on the lookout for what you want. So, when an opportunity arises, you’re able to make a quick decision and take action.

The scientists suggest this is because you have activated your Reticular Activating System (RAS) - a bunch of neurons in the brain stem that create a gateway between your conscious and subconscious mind. David Allen in ‘Getting Things Done’ describes it thus: “Just like a computer, your brain has a search function - but it's even more phenomenal than a computer's. It seems to be programmed by what we focus on.”

That’s how I found my London flat. I was renting in north London, liked the area, and was clear that my next home would be somewhere with outdoor space. The only action I’d taken was... READ MORE