On Perception: Personal Growth and Every Other Thing
Discover how owning your perception can redefine your world.
In a world where seeing is no longer believing, appearances may deceive. Sometimes, you need to take a moment to peel back the layers of pain, happiness, and indifference, not merely to uncover the truth but to discover what’s real. — John Eesuola © 2024
Picture yourself strolling through a store filled with various glasses, each pair offering a distinct view of the world. Through a transparent lens, you see a world that nearly perfectly mirrors reality. A dark shade casts everything into shadows, dimming details, and obscuring sights. Meanwhile, a recommended pair of goggles makes everything look closer than it actually is.
As intriguing as it may seem, the longer you wear these lenses, the more acclimated you become to this altered view of reality. Any sudden change may be jarring.
In reality, this goes to show how perception shapes how we interpret every aspect of our environment, from daily interactions to larger life events. This interpretation affects our internal narrative, shaping our beliefs about who we are and what we can achieve.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “Perception is reality”. This means our individual reality is shaped by the lens we put on. What you see and believe to be true can often feel indistinguishable from the truth itself. For instance, a wealthy person who perceives themselves as impoverished will experience a reality associated with such negativity regardless of their actual financial status.
To live an authentic and fulfilling life, we must first scrutinize and adjust our perceptions, recognizing that they may not always reflect who we truly are.
THE FRAMING EFFECT
Consider yourself a patient in a hospital patiently waiting for your doctor to break the news to you. She comes in and tells you that you have to undergo a medical procedure that has a 90% survival rate. On the flip side, you were informed that the procedure has a 10% mortality rate.
The statistics convey the same fact and yet the words “survival” and “mortality” may lead to a different emotional response and decision. This is the framing effect in play, where perceptions are influenced by how the information is presented. Understanding how perceptions are influenced can positively contribute to seeing things objectively in the journey of your personal growth.
PERSONAL GROWTH
Rather than imagining the countless ways that must’ve crossed your lecturer’s mind to torture you with an assignment or a project, why not consider it a challenge and see how it unfolds?
I often find myself in this situation and always choose to tackle it head-on. Lately, I’ve noticed a similar pattern in other areas of my life, plus my enhancing my problem-solving skills. The ripple effect of changing your perception of one thing dramatically spreads, bringing you closer to who you envision yourself to be. This equally applies to negative perceptions.
Perception is the cornerstone for personal growth. When you perceive yourself and your potential in a constructive light, you not only set achievable goals but also create an environment that embraces continuous learning. Adjusting and refining our perception is therefore not just about altering our view but essential for building a resilient, motivated, and growth-oriented mindset.
Despite this, our self-perception can be skewed. Many of our self-beliefs are shaped by feedback from others, which may not be accurate. This “looking-glass self” suggests that we design our self-identity based on how others perceive us. Here’s an instance, if you’re consistently told you’re funny by people around you, you might come to identify as a humorous person, whether or not it’s true.
LIVING BY OTHERS’ LENSES
A large number of us are viewing our lives through the reflection of others’ lenses. When you follow advice from friends, family, or books by authority figures without thinking critically, you let them assume control over your life — at least for that period. The result may turn out great or otherwise, but the issue is: that we tend to overlook our individuality. We often neglect our own unique reasoning, priorities, values, and beliefs. As a result, we unintentionally get entrapped in others’ biases.
Therefore, it’s crucial we continually question our perceptions. Ask yourself:
Why do I hold this belief?
What evidence supports this belief, and is it credible?
Does this belief serve my well-being and growth?
How does this belief influence my relationships?
What alternative viewpoints exist, and what do they offer?
Do I hold this belief out of comfort or fear of change?
How would my life change if I modified or abandoned this belief?
Such introspection can help you filter out the nonsense and forge a path that genuinely satisfies and challenges you as opposed to one dictated by others. By taking ownership of your perception, you create your own reality.
CREATE YOUR OWN REALITY
Creating your own reality involves visualization exercises. Picture where you imagine yourself successfully being the person you want to become. Start by visualizing how your day should go, and make proactive decisions that align with them. This mental practice can help reshape your perceptions of what you are capable of achieving, gradually aligning your self-identity with the new image you are cultivating.
Reconstructing your own reality also comes with taking total responsibility for it. It’s like demolishing a house you once lived in and rebuilding it to your own liking. You need to be accountable for the design, the strength, the weakness, and the outcome. Taking pride in your own perceptions and owning up to the flaws gives room for continuous refinement and upgrade.
Shifting your perceptions is difficult but equally important. You may find yourself viewing the world through the clarity of the latest iPhone camera rather instead of the blurry view of a Nokia 3310 — or not. The upgrade process won’t be immediate or simple; it requires steady evolution and fine-tuning informed by new experiences and information. At its core, it’s about gaining a clearer view of the world, which helps you live authentically, make well-informed decisions, and develop personally.
SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Whether you’re a writer, artist, speaker, entrepreneur, or philosopher. Never be afraid to bring your unique perspective to light. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. And, be prepared to challenge the status quo.
If you found this useful, a few claps and shares would help spread the word to others. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
You can connect with me on X (formerly known as Twitter).
