The Neuroscience of Intention Setting: How to Train Your Brain for Success as a Conscious Entrepreneur
Ever noticed that once you focus on something: like a certain car model or a new word, you suddenly start seeing it everywhere? That’s not a coincidence. It’s your Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work.
The RAS is a powerful filter in your brain that determines what information gets through to your conscious mind. It decides what’s important based on what you focus on. As a conscious entrepreneur, this means that your thoughts, intentions, and focus shape the reality you experience.
So, the real question is: Are you training your brain to see opportunities or obstacles?
The Science Behind the RAS & Why It Matters for Entrepreneurs
Your RAS sits in your brainstem and acts as a gatekeeper between your conscious and subconscious mind. It processes millions of bits of information every second but only allows a small fraction into your conscious awareness. What makes the cut? The things you consistently think about.
Here’s why this is a game-changer for entrepreneurs:
If you focus on doubt and fear, your RAS will highlight challenges, obstacles, and reasons why things won’t work.
If you focus on clarity, growth, and aligned opportunities, your RAS will start filtering in ideas, solutions, and connections that support your goals.
You are constantly shaping your future, whether consciously or not. The key is to train your RAS to work for you, not against you.
The Power of Intention in Business & Life
Setting an intention at the beginning of your day tells your RAS what to focus on. It’s like giving your brain a search command, so it starts noticing the things that align with your vision.
When you move through your day without clear intention, your energy becomes scattered. Your brain defaults to old patterns, reacting to external circumstances instead of consciously creating the experience you desire.
But when you set an intention, you shift from passive to active. You become the architect of your reality, guiding your energy toward what truly matters: whether that’s creating more impact, calling in aligned clients, or simply feeling more present in your work.
A 3-Step Intention Setting Practice for Entrepreneurs
If you want to start leveraging your RAS and aligning with your highest potential, try this simple intention-setting practice every morning:
Choose a Clear Focus
Ask yourself: What experience do I want to create today?
Example: “I intend to feel confident in my client meeting.”
Visualize It
Close your eyes and imagine yourself already in that experience.
What do you see?
How do you feel?
What energy are you bringing into the space?
This step signals to your subconscious that this outcome is expected, not just hoped for.
Embody It
Take a deep breath and let yourself feel the energy of your intention. As you move through your day, keep this feeling in mind. Your RAS will begin scanning your environment for things that align with your focus.
The more you do this, the more effortless it becomes: your subconscious starts seeking and creating what you desire.
How to Apply This in Your Business
Setting an intention isn’t just for personal growth: it’s a powerful tool in entrepreneurship.
Try setting an intention before:
Writing content or engaging on social media
A sales call or client meeting
Launching a new offer
Navigating challenges or setbacks
When you align your thoughts with your vision, your business starts to flow with greater ease. Instead of chasing opportunities, you start attracting them. Your energy shifts, and so does what you experience.
Final Takeaway: Your Mind is Always Listening
Your thoughts shape your reality more than you realize. By setting daily intentions, you’re not just creating a mindset shift: you’re rewiring your brain for success. The best part? Your RAS will start working for you, effortlessly filtering in what aligns with your higher self.
Try this today:
Set an intention using the phrase “I intend to…” and carry that energy throughout your day. Notice how it shifts your focus, your decisions, and what opportunities show up.
Your mind is listening. Make sure it’s tuned in to what you truly want!