The Red Car Theory At Work: Why What You Focus On Follows You?

Truworth Wellness

May 14, 2025 • 6 min read

Have you ever decided to buy or laid eyes on a red car, and then suddenly started seeing red cars everywhere? That’s not the universe playing tricks on you. It’s your brain at work, thanks to a little psychological phenomenon known as the Red Car Theory.

This simple idea — that we start noticing more of what we focus on — doesn’t just apply to cars. It quietly shapes the way we show up at work, the relationships we build with colleagues, and even how successful or stressed we feel in our jobs.

Let’s unpack this everyday theory and understand why it matters more than ever in the workplace.

What Exactly Is the Red Car Theory?

The Red Car Theory (also called the reticular activating system at work) suggests that once something becomes important to you, your brain starts filtering and highlighting similar things in your environment.

Imagine your brain like a massive inbox receiving thousands of messages every day — emails, noises, updates, Slack pings, side comments in meetings. It's overwhelming. So your brain uses filters to highlight what you think is important. That’s why when you’re focusing on something specific — like red cars, or deadlines, or a teammate's tone — you start seeing it everywhere.

And this filter isn’t limited to external things. It also influences emotions, assumptions, and reactions.

So How Does This Apply to Work?

Workplaces are fast-paced, diverse, and full of interactions that are open to interpretation. This makes them fertile ground for the Red Car Theory to shape our experiences — for better or worse.

Let’s break it down into real workplace scenarios:

1. What You Focus On Becomes Your Reality

If you start your day convinced that everything will go wrong — guess what? Your brain will notice every delay, every error, every comment that sounds slightly off. You’ll find "evidence" that supports your belief.

But shift that focus to something positive — like learning something new or connecting with someone on your team — and you’ll be surprised at how differently your day unfolds.

Example: If you’re dreading a meeting with a difficult client, you might miss the part where they appreciate your work because your brain is on high alert for criticism.

2. It Influences Team Dynamics and Culture

Team culture is built on shared attitudes and perceptions. When one person starts focusing on what's wrong — tight deadlines, unresponsive managers, unclear goals — that negativity can ripple through the team.

On the flip side, when teams make space to focus on what's working, even small wins get celebrated. That builds morale and momentum.

Action Tip: Start meetings with a “win round” where each person shares a recent success — it changes the tone of the entire discussion.

3. Your Perception of Colleagues Can Shift

Let’s say you feel your coworker is always undermining you. Even if they do something neutral — like questioning a point you made — it might feel like another attack. That’s the Red Car Theory in action.

But what if you focused on understanding their intent, or looked for moments when they did support your work? That small shift can lead to better conversations and a less emotionally charged environment.

Real Talk: It’s not about ignoring bad behavior. It’s about not letting assumptions drive your perception.

4. Feedback and Performance Reviews Are Filtered Too

Our brains are great at spotlighting negative words and downplaying positive ones — especially in feedback. If you go into a review expecting criticism, your brain will cling to every small flaw mentioned, even if 80% of the conversation was praise.

Now flip that. Go in expecting to learn and grow, and suddenly even the constructive criticism feels like useful input rather than a personal attack.

Pro Tip: After receiving feedback, write down three positive takeaways before reflecting on what to improve.

5. Stress and Burnout Are Magnified by Focus

Burnout isn’t always about workload. It’s also about what you're mentally rehearsing day after day. If you constantly think, “This is too much. I can’t handle it,” you’ll start noticing only the hard parts of your job, and exhaustion follows.

But if you can shift focus to progress — even small wins like clearing your inbox or completing a task — it can create a sense of momentum and control.

Wellness Hack: End your day by noting three things you did well. It trains your brain to filter for the positive.

The Brain’s Filter Can Be Reset

The good news? You’re not stuck with your current filter. The Red Car Theory isn’t a fixed condition — it’s a pattern of attention, and it can be retrained.

Here are a few ways to reset what your brain focuses on:

🔸 Practice Mindful Reframing

When you catch yourself spiraling into negativity, pause and ask: What else could be true? This opens up new interpretations and breaks mental patterns.

🔸 Set Intentional Focus Areas

Instead of starting your workday with dread, try asking yourself: What do I want to notice more today? Kindness from coworkers? A sense of progress? A moment of learning?

🔸 Watch Your Language

Words like “always,” “never,” or “everyone is out to get me” train your brain to look for proof. Replacing them with specifics helps reduce emotional overreaction.

🔸 Surround Yourself With Balanced Voices

Just like negativity can be contagious, so can optimism and curiosity. Spend time with people who help you see more than just the worst-case scenario.

Final Thoughts: Your Attention Shapes Your Experience

Workplaces are not inherently toxic or positive. They’re complex ecosystems — and how we experience them depends a lot on what we’re tuned into. The Red Car Theory reminds us that our brain is always looking for patterns, and it will find whatever we train it to look for.

You don’t need to fake positivity or ignore problems. But you do have the power to guide your attention toward what supports your growth, motivation, and peace of mind.

So the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by what’s not working at your job, pause and ask — what are you really focusing on? Because whether it’s red cars or red flags, your brain is keeping count.

Ready to shift your workplace mindset?
Start small. Pick one positive focus for your week — like collaboration, gratitude, or learning — and notice how often it shows up. The more you look for it, the more real it becomes.