Did you know that your thoughts and beliefs have the power to shape your reality?
This concept, known as the law of attraction, has gained immense popularity in recent years, with many claiming that it can bring success, happiness, and abundance into one’s life.
But what exactly is the law of attraction and how does it work?
In this article, we’ll delve into the law of attraction from a mindset and neuroscience perspective, exploring the connection between our thoughts, our brain, and our outcomes.
Get ready to uncover the science behind this often misunderstood concept and learn how you can harness its power to create a life you truly desire.
“The Secret” Exposed
The incredibly popular book and movie, The Secret, has made such a powerful impact on people, but at the same time, The Secret isn’t really revealing anything new.
It speaks of ancient secrets that successful people have used since the beginning of time. People within “inner circles” throughout the ages have jealously guarded this secret keeping its rewards limited to a few lucky ones.
But now, our access to knowledge has allowed us to learn about and use this secret law. And that law is: like attracts like. This essentially means that you have to picture yourself as happy, wealthy and successful in order to be someone who is happy, wealthy and successful.
While this idea may seem like a New Age concept, recent scientific research in the field of neuroscience and psychology has shed light on the power of our thoughts and how they shape our reality.
The Power of Our Thoughts and Emotions
Numerous studies have shown that our thoughts and beliefs have a direct impact on our reality.
In fact, neuroscience has revealed that our thoughts and emotions are controlled by the complex network of cells and neurons in our brain. When we have a thought, our brain produces electrical signals that travel through these neurons, creating new connections and pathways.*
The stronger and more frequent these connections are, the more likely we are to continue having similar thoughts and emotions.
So how does this relate to the law of attraction? Well, it all comes down to the type of thoughts we choose to focus on. Our brains have a natural bias towards negativity, which means that we often tend to dwell on our fears, worries, and negative experiences.
This negative focus strengthens the corresponding neural pathways, making it easier for us to continue having negative thoughts and experiences.
On the other hand, when we consciously choose to focus on positive thoughts and emotions, our brain creates new connections and strengthens those pathways.
This can lead to a shift in our perception and our reality, as we begin to attract more positive experiences into our lives.
The Neuroscience and Psychology of “Like Attracts Like“
The phrase “like attracts like” basically means that we attract into our lives whatever we focus on.
It posits that our thoughts and beliefs have the ability to manifest into reality and attract corresponding experiences and circumstances into our lives.
And while some may dismiss this concept as mere wishful thinking, there is actually a scientific basis behind it, known as the reticular activating system.
Manifesting and the Reticular Activating System
The reticular activating system, or RAS for short, is a network of neurons in our brain that acts as a filter for the vast amount of information bombarding us every second.**
Its purpose is to choose what is most relevant and important to us, based on our beliefs and desires. In other words, the RAS works as a sort of gatekeeper, allowing in only the information that aligns with our thoughts and beliefs, while filtering out the rest.
This is where the Law of Attraction comes into play. When we focus our thoughts and beliefs on something, we are essentially sending a signal to our RAS to pay attention to that particular thing.
It then works to bring in more information and opportunities related to that focus, ultimately leading to its manifestation in our lives.
For example, let’s say you want to open a small business and your thoughts revolve around reaching this new goal.
In this case, your RAS will work to find opportunities, focus on information, and identify ways that will help you create a business plan, find a location, search for profitable products, network with business partners, etc.
Ultimately, your Reticular Activating System will help you focus on manifesting your goals.
Manifesting and Grit
Simply wishing for something without taking any action towards it is not enough. Manifesting also requires us to actively work towards our goals, while staying focused on them and maintaining a positive mindset.
How do your thoughts and beliefs help? When we truly believe in something, we tend to take action towards it, making it more likely to become a reality.
If you can see yourself as a successful person, then you can become that way – even if you start with nothing. Success is usually not based on luck or some kind of rare talent. Success is created by habits.
Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, defines grit as a trait that combines passion and perseverance. According to her research, grit is the key to happiness and success in life.***
“Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it…it’s doing what you love, but not just falling in love―staying in love.”
Dr. Angela Duckworth, Psychologist and Author
In a nutshell, your daily habits and constant efforts while staying focused on your passions and goals can help you manifest your dream life.
So the next time you find yourself feeling discouraged or doubtful, remember the power of your mind. With the right mindset and actions, you have the ability to attract the life you desire and deserve. As Napoleon Hill, author of “Think and Grow Rich,” famously said, “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Developing a Growth Mindset
As you already know manifesting requires more than visualizing a dream life. You have to be willing to take action, even if only baby steps.
Keeping that positive mindset always at the forefront of your thoughts will help you focus and guide you to take the correct steps to prosperity.
- If you intensely picture your life as prosperous, you’ll begin to notice opportunities arising that will lead you to newfound prosperity, such as a job promotion or a new position with a different company.
- If you intensely picture your life as being debt-free, then you’ll see opportunities to make extra money to pay off those credit cards, such as doing odd jobs for neighbors, having a yard sale, or selling unwanted items on eBay.
- If you intensely picture yourself having a healthy life, then you’ll subconsciously start to make changes to your lifestyle. Sometimes a visual reminder helps keep you motivated, so find pictures of healthy habits and give yourself permission to want that for yourself.
When you can visualize your new life and focus on what you want to do and where you want to be, you’ll attract great things to your life.
But the Law of Attraction and its related growth mindset is not just about material possessions or success. It can also manifest in other aspects of our lives, such as relationships, health, and overall happiness.
Studies have shown that people with a positive outlook tend to have better physical and mental health outcomes, and that gratitude and positivity are closely linked to overall life satisfaction.*
Conclusion: Law of Attraction and Our Thoughts
The law of attraction may still be considered controversial by some, but the evidence from neuroscience is hard to ignore.
Our thoughts and emotions have a direct impact on our brain, and ultimately, our reality. So the next time you catch yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, remember the power of your mind and how you have the resources to shift your focus and manifest the life you desire. It’s time to take control of your thoughts and create the reality you truly want.
Give yourself permission to desire a good life and focus your mind deeply and fully. You must first believe that you deserve a good life before you can live one. That is the secret.
References:
*Askenasy, J., & Lehmann, J. (2013). Consciousness, brain, neuroplasticity. Frontiers in psychology, 4, 412. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00142
**Arguinchona JH, Tadi P. Neuroanatomy, Reticular Activating System. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549835/
***Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner/Simon & Schuster
