PH795074

Making the most of our grey matter... how positive affirmations can power your recticular activating system for good

Ever wondered why when you have decided to buy a particular model of car and are awaiting delivery you see lots of similar cars to yours on the road?


Here’s the science…


The reticular activating system (RAS) is a part of the brain that filters the information we receive from our senses and determines what we pay attention to.

The RAS, is a network of nerve cells that serve as a filter for the information that enters our brain. It's responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle, our level of alertness, and our ability to focus on important information whilst filtering out distractions. It works by prioritising sensory information based on its relevance to our beliefs, goals and interests. When we set a goal or focus our attention on a particular task, the RAS begins to filter out irrelevant information and amplify the sensory input that is most relevant to our goal. If we believe something to be true our RAS amplifies inputs that confirm our belief.


If we know how our RAS works… how can we make it work for us?


The RAS is a powerful tool that can be used to improve our focus and productivity, and one way to do that is through the use of positive affirmations.

Positive affirmations are statements that reflect positive thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about ourselves and our abilities. By repeating these affirmations regularly, we can train our brain to focus on the positive and filter out negative thoughts and distractions. This can help us stay focused and motivated throughout the day, leading to a more productive and fulfilling experience.


To use your RAS and positive affirmations to have a better, day, try the following:


1.   Start with a positive affirmation. Choose a statement that reflects a positive belief about yourself or your abilities, such as "I am capable of achieving my goals" or "I am confident in my abilities" or “I can do this” Repeat this affirmation several times to help your brain focus on the positive.


2.   Visualize success. Close your eyes and imagine yourself succeeding in a specific task or achieving a goal. This visualization can help activate the RAS and encourage your brain to focus on the actions that will lead to success.


3.   Set clear goals. Identify specific tasks or goals for the day, and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.


4.   Use positive self-talk. Throughout the day, use positive self-talk to reinforce your affirmations and keep your mind focused on the positive. For example, if you're feeling stressed, repeat a calming affirmation like "I am in control of my thoughts and feelings" or "I can handle this situation with ease."


By using positive affirmations and activating your RAS, you can have a more productive and fulfilling day. M4C can help you develop strategies to improve your focus and productivity, and achieve your business goals.


Contact us today to learn more.


Unlocking Strategic Growth: Why UK Businesses Are Turning to Fractional Directors

by PH795074 • 2 September 2025
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, agility and expertise are more critical than ever. For UK businesses—especially SMEs and startups—accessing top-tier leadership without the financial burden of full-time executive hires is no longer a pipe dream. Enter the fractional director : a flexible, cost-effective solution that’s reshaping how companies scale, strategise, and succeed. What Is a Fractional Director? A fractional director is a seasoned executive—such as a CFO, CMO, or Commercial Director—who works with a business on a part-time, interim, or project basis. Unlike traditional full-time hires, fractional directors bring high-level strategic insight and leadership while offering the flexibility to engage only when needed. The Business Case for Fractional Leadership UK companies are increasingly embracing fractional leadership, and the reasons are compelling: Access to Elite Talent : Fractional directors often come with decades of experience across industries. For smaller firms that may struggle to attract full-time C-suite talent, fractional roles open the door to expertise that would otherwise be out of reach. Cost Efficiency : Businesses report savings of 40–60% in labour costs by hiring fractional executives compared to full-time counterparts This model allows companies to pay only for the time and expertise they need—no overheads, no long-term commitments. Strategic Agility : Fractional directors are adept at hitting the ground running. Whether it’s navigating a growth phase, entering new markets, or managing change, they deliver rapid impact with minimal disruption. Scalability and Flexibility : Companies can scale leadership resources up or down based on evolving needs. This is especially valuable in uncertain economic climates, where adaptability is key. Objective Decision-Making : Operating outside internal politics, fractional directors offer unbiased perspectives and challenge the status quo—often leading to innovative solutions and improved performance . A Growing Trend in the UK The rise of fractional working in the UK is more than a passing trend—it’s a strategic shift. In early 2025, around 5% of UK employees were in interim roles, with many more operating as independent contractors. Why Now? Post-pandemic shifts, economic uncertainty, and the rise of AI-driven automation have all contributed to a rethinking of traditional employment models. Businesses are under pressure to stay lean while still accessing the strategic leadership needed to thrive. Fractional directors offer a way to do just that. As Roei Samuel, CEO of Connectd, puts it: “Fractional leadership isn’t a stopgap. It’s a scalable, sustainable model for the future of work that enables smaller companies to grow smarter.” Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Scale For UK businesses looking to stay competitive, fractional directors offer a powerful blend of expertise, flexibility, and financial efficiency. Whether you're a startup navigating early growth or an established firm seeking fresh strategic insight, fractional leadership could be the key to unlocking your next phase of success.  At M4C Ltd , we help businesses connect with the right fractional talent to drive transformation and growth. Get in touch to explore how a fractional director could elevate your business.

Which channel is broadcasting the news in your business?

by PH795074 • 25 March 2025
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Unlocking the Power of Fractional Directors: Beyond Advice to Real-World Execution

by PH795074 • 11 February 2025
In today’s dynamic business landscape, the need for flexible, expert leadership is more critical than ever. Enter the fractional director—a seasoned executive who brings not just valuable skills, deep industry experience, and strategic insight, but also the much-needed capacity to get things done. At M4C Ltd, we believe that fractional directors are the secret weapon for businesses ready to accelerate growth and drive meaningful change. The Dual Value Proposition of Fractional Directors Expertise That Transforms Strategy Fractional directors come equipped with years of experience from diverse sectors. Their wealth of knowledge helps businesses to.. Develop Clear Strategies: They offer an external perspective that cuts through internal noise, crafting clear, actionable strategies. Identify Growth Opportunities: With a keen eye for emerging trends, they can pinpoint opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. Guide Critical Decision-Making: Their informed advice ensures that every strategic move is backed by data and real-world insights. Hands-On Execution: Bringing Capacity to Your Team While many leaders provide excellent advice, fractional directors are unique in their commitment to execution. They don’t just set the direction—they work as part of your team to make progress happen.. Bridging the Gap: They act as a critical link between high-level strategy and day-to-day operations, ensuring that plans are not just designed but effectively implemented. Immediate Impact: With the ability to hit the ground running, fractional directors offer an immediate boost in capacity, helping your business to overcome operational bottlenecks and speed up project timelines. Cost-Effective Leadership: By engaging fractional directors, companies gain access to top-tier expertise without the overhead of a full-time executive salary. This model is particularly beneficial for SMEs and growing businesses that need robust leadership without breaking the bank. Real-World Success: Making Strategy Work Consider the case of businesses that have partnered with fractional directors during times of transition or rapid growth. These leaders have been instrumental in.. Streamlining Operations: By re-engineering processes, they enable teams to work more efficiently. Driving Revenue Growth: Their strategic interventions have often resulted in measurable improvements in sales and market penetration. Enhancing Team Morale: By providing clear direction and hands-on support, they empower teams to tackle challenges confidently and collaboratively. Why does M4C Champion the Fractional Director Model? Our commitment is to help businesses not just dream big but also achieve their ambitions. We recognize that the modern business environment demands agile, responsive leadership that can balance high-level strategy with day-to-day operational needs. Our fractional directors are dedicated to.. Partnering: We integrate seamlessly with your existing processes to ensure that every strategy is actionable. Focusing on Measurable Outcomes: From boosting efficiency to driving revenue, our focus is on delivering results that matter. Empowering Your Business: By augmenting your leadership capacity, we ensure that you’re never alone in navigating complex challenges. The Bottom Line: Ready, Set, Execute! If your business is ready to unlock new levels of growth and efficiency, it’s time to consider the power of fractional directors. They don’t just offer advice—they roll up their sleeves and work with you to get things done. Let’s turn strategic plans into tangible results together.