Neuroscience Is the New Manifestation

Let’s get something straight: the way “The Law of Attraction” is often presented, e.g., manifesting wealth with vibes alone, or pretending your parking space is already there is... well, let’s just say it's not exactly scientific. But underneath the woo woo, there’s a surprisingly valid psychological mechanism at work. And it’s all grounded in how your brain filters information.

Here's the TLDR:

• Your brain filters most of the world out. (99.9%)

• What you focus on tells your subconscious what to prioritize.

• Your focus literally trains your brain to look for certain outcomes.

• That’s not the Law of Attraction, it’s neuroscience.

• “Manifestation” only works if it drives real, intentional action.

Here’s the science-based version:

Your Brain is a High-Powered Filter

Your brain processes an estimated 11 million bits of information per second. But your conscious mind can only handle about 40 to 50 bits per second (yes, really). That means more than 99.99% of what’s happening around you is filtered out before you’re even aware of it.

So how does your brain decide what does make it to conscious awareness?

Enter: The Reticular Activating System (RAS).

The RAS is a bundle of nerves at your brainstem that acts as a gatekeeper between your subconscious and your conscious mind. It determines what information is relevant and worthy of your attention.

And what’s the filter it uses to decide what matters?

The Filter is Whatever You Say It Is

Whatever you’re consciously thinking about most often: your fears, your goals, your doubts, your desires, etc. This is what tells your RAS, “This is important. Prioritize anything that matches this.”

So if you’re constantly thinking:

• “I’m stuck,”

• “Nothing ever works out for me,”

• “I’ll never get out of this mess,”

  
  

…then your RAS goes, “Got it! I’ll keep surfacing evidence that lines up with that.” You’ll notice setbacks more than opportunities. You’ll remember the negative stuff. And your decisions will subtly (but consistently) align with that mental framework.

On the flip side, if you shift your focus toward:

• “What is working?”

• “What do I want to create?”

• “What am I grateful for right now?”

…your RAS says, “Ah, this is what we’re looking for.” And suddenly, you start seeing possibilities, resources, and connections you might have otherwise missed.

This isn’t magic. It’s neuroscience.

Perception Shapes Reality

Psychologists call this confirmation bias, our tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms our existing beliefs. Neuroscience shows that the brain literally rewires itself based on repeated thought patterns (this is called neuroplasticity). So, the more you focus on a certain type of thinking, the more automatic that thinking becomes.

This also explains why many “manifestation” teachers emphasize feeling as if what you want is already yours. When you train your mind to emotionally associate with your desired reality, your brain starts treating it as relevant and real, and starts noticing pathways to help you get there.

The Catch: You Still Have to Act

Here's the part the woo-woo crowd sometimes skips: none of this matters unless you act on what your brain is surfacing. Recognizing opportunity isn’t the same as seizing it. Serendipity needs a co-pilot.

In other words, the “universe” isn’t handing it to you. You’re spotting the opening, and stepping through the door.

Now, go start manifesting. :)