Lock-on/Lock-out of the Scotoma Principle
Hello! Today, let's break down
an important concept in coaching based on the theories of Dr. Hideto Tomabechi,
the "scotoma (psychological blind spot)," using the keywords "lock-on/lock-out" and "RAS (Reticular Activating System)" to easily understand how the brain works. If you already know this, please use it as a review. This article explores how the brain filters information from the perspective of Tomabechi-style coaching.
What is a scotoma? From the perspective of lock-on/lock-out, a scotoma is a phenomenon where the brain recognizes only what it deems "important" and unconsciously hides other information. Simply put, the brain "locks on" to what is important and "locks out" everything else.
Lock-on: The brain actively takes in only the information it recognizes as important.
Lock-out: The brain excludes information it judges as unimportant, making it invisible. This is the true nature of a scotoma.
If you learn this mechanism as a set, your understanding of scotomas will deepen significantly. For example, even if 100 pieces of information reach the brain, only the 10 that are locked on are recognized, while the remaining 90 are locked out and hidden in the realm of the scotoma. The brain is equipped with this "filter system" and processes information selectively. This is called the RAS. What is the RAS (Reticular Activating System)? The brain's filter system. RAS stands for "Reticular Activating System" (you don't need to memorize the technical name). In short, it is the system by which the brain filters information.
Role of the RAS: To lock on to what is deemed important and lock out the rest, creating a scotoma.
Result: Only a small fraction of the vast amount of information is delivered to the brain.
While there is no physical filter in the actual brain, these functions are at work. Understanding the RAS allows you to connect scotomas, lock-on, and lock-out in a three-dimensional way. This system is common to all human beings. As a verification method, tools such as fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) are used to observe blood flow in the brain to see which parts are activated. Research has been progressing since the 1990s, and new discoveries are still being made. However, there is still much that is unknown about the full extent of the brain. Why does the brain limit information? Energy consumption is the key. Why did the brain evolve to recognize only what is important? According to Dr. Tomabechi's explanation, it is for the brain to save energy.
Most of the brain's activity (about 90-97%) is in a dormant state, with only about 3-5% active.
If it were to operate at full capacity, it is calculated that it would require as much electricity as a power substation.
However, the human digestive system is no different from other mammals, and the energy that can be produced is limited. If it operated at full capacity, we would starve to death!
Therefore, the brain "cuts corners":
It synthesizes past memories to recognize the current situation.
It takes in new information minimally and pulls from the past database to increase efficiency.
This is the "RAS filter system" and the mechanism of lock-on/lock-out. The creation of a scotoma is also a product of this energy saving. The meaning of goal setting and infinite possibilities. If you utilize this brain mechanism, goal setting becomes extremely effective. If you "lock on" to a goal you deem important, the brain will actively extract relevant information. And if you can activate even a little bit of the 97% of the brain that is dormant, a vast amount of energy will be generated. That is the key to "increasing efficacy (self-efficacy) and unlocking infinite potential." Since everyone has the same brain, everyone should be able to utilize this potential. Summary: Connecting brain mechanisms to change yourself. Today, I explained scotomas using lock-on/lock-out and the RAS. If you view these as a filter system, the reason why the brain "chooses what is important" becomes clear. It is a product of evolution to save energy, but if you use it in reverse, it becomes a tool that can change your life. Please use this knowledge to be conscious of your goals in your daily life.