The Part of the Brain That Helps You Achieve Your Highest Goals

Have you ever noticed how once you focus on something—like buying a new car—you suddenly see that car everywhere?
That's not a coincidence. It's your brain at work.

Today, we’re diving into a fascinating part of your brain that filters reality based on what matters most to you—and how understanding it can help you reach your greatest goals.

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Meet the Pulvinar Nuclei: Your Brain’s Gatekeeper

Deep inside your brain, in the thalamus region, lies a powerful structure known as the Pulvinar Nuclei—part of what’s commonly called the Reticular Activating System (RAS).

This area acts like a filter.
Every second, your brain receives billions of bits of information. The Pulvinar Nuclei decides what information deserves your conscious attention—and what can safely be ignored.

But here's the important part:
It filters information based on what’s most important to you.

Your values, priorities, and current focus shape what you notice in your environment.

This ties closely to the principles we discuss in How Voids and Values Drive Your Behaviour, where uncovering your true values plays a major role in shaping your experiences.

Real-Life Examples of Your Brain’s Filtering System

The Pulvinar Nuclei is always working in the background.
You’ve likely experienced its power without even realizing it:

• A pregnant woman walks into a shopping centre.
  Without trying, she immediately notices every baby store, stroller advertisement, and children's clothing rack—while completely overlooking the car accessory shops.
• If you’re passionate about fitness, you automatically notice someone’s posture, movement patterns, or running shoes—even in a crowded space.
• If you're deeply focused on helping people with back pain, as I was after my own injuries, you'll pick up conversations about back issues happening at nearby tables—without even trying.

This isn't random.
It's your brain actively prioritizing the information it thinks will help you achieve your most important goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about how this subconscious selection process can affect your daily stress and decision-making, you might want to check out Mind and Body Synergy: How Mental Wellness and Physical Fitness Go Hand in Hand.

Why No Two People See the World the Same Way

Because each person's values are unique, no two people filter reality the same way.

• What you notice and prioritize is completely different from what your best friend, colleague, or sibling might notice.
• Your internal filter tunes you into what helps you fulfill your highest values—and tunes out what doesn't matter to you.

This is why aligning your goals with your true values is so crucial.
When you set goals that don't reflect what you genuinely care about, your brain doesn’t prioritize them.
They stay invisible—or feel like constant uphill battles.

If you want to start clarifying your personal roadmap, my Voids and Values Questionnaire can help you discover what truly drives you.

How to Use Your Brain’s Filtering System to Your Advantage

Once you realize how powerful this system is, you can start using it strategically:

1. Identify Your Highest Values

Start by reflecting on what you naturally notice, care about, and prioritize.
What themes keep showing up in your life?

If you're unsure where to start, explore this guide on how voids and values shape your decisions.

2. Align Your Goals to Match Your Values

Instead of setting goals based on what others expect, tailor your objectives around what’s already meaningful to you.
Your brain will naturally filter opportunities, people, and insights that help you achieve them.

For more on creating truly aligned goals (instead of chasing fantasies), check out Why You Might Be Messing Up Your Life By Following Fantasies.

3. Trust Your Attention

If certain topics, projects, or ideas keep pulling your focus, it's worth paying attention.
Your brain isn't random—it's guiding you toward paths aligned with your deepest drivers.

Harnessing this natural attention filter can help you build your unique strengths, create meaningful work, and live a more fulfilling life.

The Bottom Line

Your brain is designed to help you succeed—but only if you work with it, not against it.

Understanding the Pulvinar Nuclei and how it filters information helps you realize why focus matters, why authenticity matters, and why living in alignment with your true values isn't just feel-good advice—it's biological strategy.

Ready to go deeper into mastering your mind-body connection and building a more inspired life?
You’ll find more tools, guides, and real-world strategies on the blog.

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