Reality Is Defined By Your Perception Of It
Most people are stuck in the crude reality.
Gabriel Tira
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5 min read
Did you ever question that you may get what you believe? That your perception impacts the world you experience?
Reality is not a fixed state by any means, but it's modeled by how you perceive and interpret the world around you.
We often fall into the trap of believing in an objective reality — a singular truth that exists independent of individual perspectives.
Unfortunately, this illusion leads to conflicts and misunderstandings, as we fail to recognize that each person's reality is colored by their own perception.
I'll give you an example which most drivers will resonate with.
I've recently had a test drive with Tesla. It felt like it was built for me, from the steering, tech, power, to its minimalism.
Until then, I could swear that out there on the road were just a few cars like it. You can guess what happened next.
Once I returned it to the store, I could see it everywhere. Because I wanted it. I was looking for it. My attention was shifted towards that specific car. This, is a simple example of perception.
The world is only one, but its limits are individually defined. This is as beautiful as it is dangerous.
Why dangerous? Because we need to keep our mind present. Since it's inclined to seek the negative aspects of everything, the same our reality will become.
Let's go through some examples:
- I was fired from my job. I'm afraid to end up on the streets.
- I went through a break up. I'm afraid to remain single.
- I was told I need to find another rent. I'm afraid I won't find a beautiful house like this.
Let's see them through a positive perception:
- Once the company fired me, I realised it's my time to aim even bigger!
- After she broke up with me, I realised that neither I was satisfied with myself. Furthermore, I got motivated to work myself off to become the person I really wanted.
- When he told me that I need to find another place, I got excited for the upcoming refresh.
As you can see, our perception of reality can be changed. It's up to our mind to do that.
Your mindset can be reshaped like your body. At any time, and how many times you want. Both, require the same thing: consistency.
Now.. Maybe you think you don't have time, or you're too old and simply cannot change.
Let me ask you this: Did you ever really try to change?
If yes, for how long? How hard? How many times? You see, all these beautiful things about self-control seem logical and quick. I can assure you they are not fast-results at all.
Neither they are just logical in the first place. You need to believe in the new mindset and practice those new traits with every chance.
Do you think you can recover in a week after a severe injury, with 2 specific-recovery sessions? I doubt it. Then, there's no reason to think otherwise about your mind.
Mindset is even harder to change because it's an intimate thing. Even with the best coaches around, you change nothing if you don't apply what they teach you.
It's easier to think that the exterior has to change for your peace. I was in that position as well 2 years ago. I wanted a better world, and I thought it is the one that has to change, not me. This, because I tought I did my best already: I was a simple person who didn't bother anyone.
But on my path to self-awareness, I found the harsh truth about the hidden ego I had, and the frustrations and toxicity I was spreading around.
Whenever you ask 'why me?', reiterate it as: The universe gave me another chance to grow and get better.
These are 4 practices that I used to get a broader and positive perception:
Question Yourself
Rather than accepting things as your mind first present, question your assumptions and interpretations.
For example, if you're in a disagreement with someone, ask details about how they reached that conclusion to understand their viewpoint.
Empathy
Cultivate empathy by actively listening (don't think what to say next) to others and trying to understand their experiences and perception.
Bonus: When you can empathise with someone else's perspective, you broaden your own understanding of reality.
Focus On Positive
Instead of fixating on negative interpretations of events, consciously choose to focus on the positive aspects. Set yourself a mental trigger every time you tend to think negatively.
For instance, if you receive constructive criticism at work, view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack.
Tip: If you only hear how good you are, you'll eventually stop growing, because you would have nothing else to improve.
Expand Your Horizons
Engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems to challenge your assumptions and expand your worldview.
When you hear a contrary belief, instead of going defensive, extract fragments that you'll benefit from.
Fears and excuses are also blocking your potential. Watch out for affirmations and statements like:
- I am too old
- I don't have time
- I'm not a morning person
- Anything I try leads to nothing
- I can't lose fat
- I can't change
You see.. they only exist because you believe in them. Fears are your mind's creation, they do not exist in reality.
Letter's quest
Next time it rains in the weekend, don't get upset. Instead, exercise a positive perception and enjoy any of these options:
- Stay home and relax, or address things you haven't had time to
- Jump on a spontaneous travel to another city
- Get outside in the rain and enjoy the most eco shower in the world
Until the next letter, I wish you success in everything you're up to!