Do you ever notice how many red cars there are when you’re driving or walking near a busy road? Most likely not. However, if you were given an incentive to count every scarlet vehicle, you’d certainly be much more aware of how many were in your immediate vicinity.
Keeping up? Indeed, the Red Car Theory, which has gone viral online, has little to do with four-wheel drives and everything to do with spotting opportunities that pass us by daily.
The hashtag ‘red car theory’ has now reached almost half a million views on TikTok and is best summarized in a snippet of a Leaders Talk podcast featuring self-made millionaire Elena Asher. The LashMakers’ founder has amassed a small fortune by establishing one of the leading brands in the beauty industry for commercial products and eyelash training in Miami.
The video has been shared numerous times by many viral pages, including @mc_listen093, an account dedicated to resharing motivational clips with 2.6 million views. The original video shared on Leaders Talk Podcast’s official Instagram also received 18,300 views alone.
During the video, Asher asks podcast host Jacob Giron if he saw any red cars on his way to work that day, to which he responds, “I probably did.” She then changes her question and asks what he would do if she told him he could earn $50 for every red car he sees on his way to the interview. “I would look for red cars,” Giron responds, and, Asher replies, “Exactly, that’s how luck works.”
Newsweek spoke with two experts to learn more about this fascinating theory which can be applied to everything from your career to your physical health. Here they share how to rewire your brain to actively seek out opportunities in every aspect of your life.
Just What Is The Red Car Theory?
Some people compare the theory to buying a red car and then suddenly noticing more similarly colored vehicles on the road. And others state how we may notice more red cars when presented with the chance to gain something through spotting them, like $50 for, for example. The point is: the red cars have always been there but it’s about being able to spot them in the first place.
The metaphorical concept highlights how we are, actually, surrounded by opportunities but they are often overlooked.
Newsweek spoke to Dr. Daniel Glazer, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of several health technology platforms, including US Therapy Rooms.
He explained: “The red car phenomenon demonstrates the power of priming and confirmation bias. Once red cars grab your attention, your brain seeks more evidence confirming red cars exist. You tune into details aligning with your new focus. It feels like a superpower-instantly manifesting more of what you prime your mind to notice!”
It’s all well and good to say there are opportunities everywhere, but what does one actually look like? Glazer has given an example of how to take a chance in the workplace.
He told Newsweek: “Let’s say you notice a certain software program could help streamline some workflows and processes at your company. However, no one is using this software yet in your workplace. This observation is the initial ‘red car’ grabbing your attention-the recognition of an opportunity related to a specific program.
“As you prime your mind to focus on reasons this program would benefit your workplace, more evidence emerges to confirm your instinct. It feels effortless, like the opportunities were suddenly multiplying! But really, you’re just developing the lens to hone in on details aligning with the solution you spotted.
“The next phase is acting on this vision-researching the software capabilities and costs more thoroughly, putting together a proposal, pitching it to decision-makers. As you move forward sharing your idea, you may then spot additional opportunities related to training needs, integration with other platforms, ways to customize configurations, et cetera.”
Entrepreneur Pratik Thakker, has a slightly different take on the Red Car Theory, telling Newsweek: “Based on my perspective, the theory is not only based on identifying opportunities-but taking action.
“It’s about finding the red car, then driving it towards the destination. Most people can identify the opportunities but the struggle is driving the car.
“If I miss networking with a potential client, my goal for the next day might be to send them a friendly email.
“Eventually you can change your life if can to implement action into your life.”
The founder of INSIDEA, a global, fully remote company that’s helping startups and growth companies across the globe scale faster, has applied the theory to his own personal experience.
He explained: “In my early days, I won’t lie-I overlooked countless ‘red cars’. I’d hear fellow entrepreneurs snagging golden chances and wonder, ‘How did they stumble upon that? Why didn’t I spot it?’ The reality? They were on the lookout. Every day, without fail.”
Thakker, from Mumbai, India, has shared his top tips that will help you spot the opportunities that may be at your fingertips. But first, it is important to change your behavioral patterns.
How To Start Spotting Opportunities Everywhere
Thakker has previously shared “The Secret Formula For Success”at a TEDx event. Today, he tells Newsweek how to apply the red car theory to your professional life.
- Start with a morning reminder that says, “Look for opportunities today” and journal at the end of every day.
- Spend time in ‘high traffic’ areas-this can be done by joining busy communities, attending relevant events and engaging in online forums.
- Take a different route by trying something new, meeting different people, and even reading or watching something different.
- Reflect on missed ‘cars’-jot down opportunities you think you missed to see patterns and learn how to notice the chances next time.
- Regularly ‘clean your windshield’ by occasionally stepping back to reflect and regularly engage in conversations with peers, mentors or friends.
- Avoid negativity!
How To Rewire Your Brain For New Opportunities
London-based Glazer has added the following five tips aimed to retrain your brain so you can actively seek ‘red cars’. This can also be implemented in your personal life, for example, if you want to lose weight.
- Clearly define the desired result and be precise, e.g. 15lb weight loss by June, not just losing some vague weight. Envision and repeat the specifics.
- Visualize succeeding regularly-see and feel yourself easily achieving the goal through thoughts, images, and vision boards. Make it tangible.
- Voice affirmations aloud about accomplishing your vision as if it’s already happened.
- Celebrate small progress to reinforce momentum. Each step towards a goal further embeds neural pathways associated with success.
- Express gratitude and show appreciation for any signs of progress, such as a new gym opening nearby, which reinforces a positive trajectory toward achieving your goals.
If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work and your story could be featured on Newsweek’s “What Should I Do? section.
2024 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published January 13, 2024, 12:00 PM.
source: star-telegram
