Translated by AI

Proactively Setting Goals, Your RAS Will Start to "Navigate" for You

In Chinese societies, we are taught from a young age that "there is a correct path in life": we should study at certain ages, find stable jobs after graduation, get married before 30, own a house by 40, work hard when young for a stable retirement later. These so-called "life tasks" resemble built-in main storylines in a game; they might seem fine but are not necessarily suitable for every player.

Unfortunately, most people do not realize that these tasks can actually be skipped, rather than linear assignments.

If you feel like you've been working on "tasks you dislike," merely striving to complete someone else's script, you're essentially locked onto an assigned task route by your RAS, not actively choosing your own path.

Your RAS is Your Built-in Navigator, The Goals You Set Are Its Commands

The brain's RAS (Reticular Activating System) filters world information based on your set goals and beliefs. When you issue clear task commands, it starts helping you "gather evidence, find routes, and recommend resources."

The problem is, many have never issued commands, instead adhering to default scripts, silently letting the RAS reinforce collective focuses from society, family, and culture: age anxiety, comparison mindsets, ill-fitting success templates... Over time, you begin to believe "this is the only way I can live."

However, once you provide new commands, your RAS starts re-navigating your life, pushing you in different directions onto new paths.

You Can Start with Simple Tasks, No Need to Tackle Major Challenges Immediately

You don't need to challenge life's major hurdles from the start. Instead, break through simple tasks first, accumulating resources and confidence—this is the most practical and achievable growth path.

Some people say, "I'm unsure what I want." That's okay; you can ask yourself:

• "If I didn't need to please others, which task would I most want to complete?"
• "Which small thing, if accomplished now, would hold great significance for me?"

Just like in a game, you can start with a side quest—maybe organizing your home, completing a workout, writing something you wish to express, learning a new skill, or simply declining an uncomfortable invitation.

Your RAS will take your intent of "wanting to break through" and begin magnifying relevant resources and opportunities. At this point, your life's storyline will start to shift.

How Small Tasks Unlock New Life Storylines

A friend of mine was deeply entrenched in the belief of "having no value," thus her RAS constantly showed her evidence of "not doing well"—her supervisor overlooked her, colleagues ignored her, social media posts went unnoticed...

One day, she decided to stop fixating on "major achievements" and set a very small task: "Every day, record one thing I feel I did well." Initially, it seemed trivial, but after two weeks, her RAS began automatically searching for her efforts and progress—the negligible successes that were once invisible became magnified.

Three months later, she proposed a small project within her department and began initiating new relationships. Her life's main storyline quietly opened new branches.

Breaking Out Isn't Rebellion; It's a Fresh Start to Play Again

When you choose to actively set tasks and no longer live life in pre-set order, you'll discover:

• The world hasn't changed, but the things you notice have.
• Problems haven't vanished, but you now have more options.
• What you thought were "stuck points" were actually reminders that you can switch levels.

You're not an NPC trapped in a script but a player who can choose levels, change gear, and decide the pace. As long as you start issuing commands, your brain will guide you toward the version of life you truly desire.