What you perceive is what you experience as real. It's true, I don't deny the existence of objective reality, but I have repeatedly found that people interpret their experiences differently, and draw radically different conclusions from the same set of circumstances.
For example, someone might go to a social occasion and see it as a waste of time that could be better spent doing something "productive." At the same time, that person's spouse may experience the same event as an opportunity to meet new people and cultivate important contacts. The important thing to keep in mind is that from each point of view both individuals are correct in their assessments of the situation. Perhaps even more importantly, neither is wrong.
Differing perceptions are to blame for so many of life's unending arguments about who's right and who's wrong. The feelings and logic we experience are so real and concrete, it is hard to imagine that anyone could experience a situation so differently. Yet, as we all know, the right vs. wrong approach serves no purpose other than to create conflict and push people apart.
Real success in life comes from the ability to understand differing perceptions. Why is this important? The answer is simple: how you perceive the world will guide your life by impacting what you think is important, i.e., your values and your interests.
Your success in life is driven by doing what you do best, and what you do best is supported by a set of natural skills and talents. This can only be accomplished when you understand and accept how you perceive the world and acknowledge that others perceive it differently than you do.
This attitude allows you to discover and claim your natural skills and talents, while at the same time allowing others to do the same thing.
Do a little "detective work" and start by comparing your perception of a specific situation with someone else's. Ask that person what was heard, felt or experienced. Ask about the thoughts or internal conversations experienced about this situation. How does your reaction to the situation differ? In what ways was it the same?
You will discover that there are things you perceive that others do not, and vice versa. Going through the thought process of another person will give you some great insight into how the world is perceived by others. Such a discussion will also lead you to a greater understanding of your own perceptual style and give you keys to understanding the perceptual style of others.
A partner at Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd., Lynda-Ross specializes in helping entrepreneurs and coaches build dynamite teams and systems that WORK. She is co-author of Vega Role Facilities Theory, a revolutionary psychological assessment system that teaches people how to unleash their deepest potentials for success. For free information on how to succeed as an entrepreneur or coach, create a thriving business and build your bottom line doing more of what you love, visit www.VRFT.com
