The Reticular Activating System: An Executive Coach’s Perspective on How It Shapes Your Success

As an executive coach, one of the most fascinating aspects of leadership I explore with my clients is how the brain influences perception, focus, and decision-making. One of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is something you might not even know exists: your Reticular Activating System (RAS).

The RAS is a small bundle of nerves located in the brainstem, and its job is to act as a gatekeeper for information. Every day, your brain is bombarded with countless bits of sensory data—sounds, sights, and more. Without the RAS filtering what gets your attention, you’d be completely overwhelmed. But this gatekeeping function doesn’t just impact your sensory input; it also shapes how you perceive the world, what you focus on, and ultimately, how you lead.

How the Reticular Activating System Works

The RAS determines what information your brain prioritizes based on what you’re consciously or subconsciously focused on. For example:

• When you’re shopping for a new car, you suddenly notice that specific make and model everywhere.

• If you’re thinking about a challenging project at work, every conversation or article you encounter seems to relate to that topic.

As a leader, the RAS plays a critical role in shaping your mindset, focus, and behavior. The way you direct your attention—intentionally or unintentionally—trains your RAS to filter for specific patterns, ideas, and opportunities.

How the RAS Impacts Leadership

1. Focus on Problems or SolutionsWhat you focus on expands. If your mind is set on problems—what’s going wrong, what you’re worried about, or the challenges your team faces—your RAS will filter for evidence that reinforces those concerns. But if you intentionally focus on solutions, opportunities, and what’s working well, your RAS will help you notice more of the positive and actionable things around you.

   Coaching Tip: Shift your focus from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s possible?” This small change trains your RAS to identify opportunities and solutions rather than getting stuck in problems.

2. Strengthening Emotional IntelligenceYour RAS influences how you interpret interactions with your team. If you subconsciously believe a colleague is difficult or uncooperative, your RAS will pick up on behaviors that confirm that belief while filtering out evidence to the contrary. This can impact how you communicate and build trust.

   Coaching Tip: Practice neutral observation. Instead of assuming intentions, ask open-ended questions and seek to understand your team’s perspective. This helps retrain your RAS to focus on clarity and connection.

3. Reinforcing Your BeliefsThe RAS amplifies what you believe about yourself and your leadership. If you’ve told yourself, “I’m not good at public speaking,” your RAS will seek out evidence to reinforce that belief. On the other hand, if you tell yourself, “I’m learning to become a confident speaker,” your RAS will begin to notice and amplify experiences that support that growth.

   Coaching Tip: Pay attention to your internal dialogue. Replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones to retrain your RAS and build confidence.

4. Driving Team CultureAs a leader, your focus doesn’t just affect you—it impacts your team. If you consistently highlight problems and negativity, your team will likely adopt the same mindset. But if you model optimism, solution-oriented thinking, and appreciation for effort, your team will follow suit.

   Coaching Tip: Create a habit of acknowledging successes and celebrating progress. This trains your team’s collective RAS to focus on what’s going well, driving a more positive and engaged culture.

Leveraging the RAS for Leadership Success

To harness the power of your RAS, start by being intentional about what you focus on. Here are a few strategies:

1. Set Clear Goals: When you clearly define what you want to achieve, your RAS filters for opportunities and connections that align with those goals. For example, if your goal is to improve team communication, you’ll start noticing articles, workshops, or conversations that help you get there.

2. Practice Visualization: The brain processes visualization as if it were reality. Spend time visualizing yourself successfully navigating challenges, leading with confidence, or achieving your goals. This primes your RAS to seek out pathways to make those outcomes real.

3. Gratitude and Positivity: Train your RAS to notice the good by practicing daily gratitude. Reflecting on what’s working well shifts your mindset and filters for positivity.

4. Reframe Challenges: When faced with a setback, ask yourself, “What’s the opportunity here?” This question trains your RAS to look for growth and solutions even in difficult situations.

Final Thoughts

As a healthcare leader, the stakes are high, and the demands are constant. But by understanding and leveraging the power of your Reticular Activating System, you can take greater control over how you perceive challenges, opportunities, and even yourself. Your RAS isn’t just a filter—it’s a tool for shaping your mindset, actions, and ultimately, your success as a leader.

What are you training your RAS to notice? Let’s connect and explore how you can leverage this incredible system to lead with more clarity, confidence, and focus.