Change your Self-Perception; Change your Life
You’ve heard the phrase “You get what you focus on”.
Or in my words, “How you see is what you get”.
But what if you don’t like how/ what you see? Is it possible to change our perception to get a different result? I believe it is, but first we need to see as much of the picture as possible.
This article at Lifehacker explores both the upside and downside of perception, including how deluding ourselves in regards to our strengths and abilities just leads to; well, deluded results…
The final paragraph reads:
Many of us go years without fulfilling our potential or trying new things because we simply don’t perceive ourselves as able. Or worse, we live with flaws because it never occurs to us that they’re problematic. If you don’t think you can go after your dream job, you’re worried you can’t attract that person you’re really into, or you simply lack confidence, the problem might not be your situation, but just your perception. Your ideas about yourself determine the course of your life, so don’t leave them to chance.
You can read the full article here: How to change your self perception
How about you? Have you been able to change a situation or develop a strength using any of these methods? Or perhaps you used a different technique that wasn’t mentioned.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Archived Comments
12 Comments
Simon says:
Hello Warren,
I know your an avid reader so I’m unsure I can augment your philosophy… by the way I admire you very much. Just as people gain and lose financial wealth repeatedly, I’ve risen and fallen in spirit repeatedly and have yet to self-perfect. But overall I see major advantages I’m playing with that 99.99% of the folks I see havent tapped… To keep it simple, here’s a few books/resources that have majorly impacted me. BTW, I experienced major loss early on… some things are personal and some things are too personal, but I’ll tell you that I spent a couple decades not developing myself because I lived in fear that I was going to die… I have grown rapidly over the last few years because I realized that I might live a long time and experience my dreams.-www.soilandhealth.org (especially the titles in the alternative medical therapies catalog – within the Health Library)
-all the David R Hawkins books
-Getting Things Done (and other books) by David Allen
-James Altucher’s advice on 10 Ideas a Day etc as a daily practice-Simon
Warren Macdonald says:
Thanks Simon. I doubt any of us get to self perfect; except perhaps in death… Thanks for sharing, especially the reading list. Not familiar with James Althcher but will check him out. Thanks again. Warren
Simon says:
You bet Warren… If interested in connecting with james, I’ll give you his personal email.
Warren Macdonald says:
Thanks Simon.
Roberto Rodriguez Esteves says:
Warren;
This is so true. It is all about perceptions and how they influence our attitudes. I have recently experienced some down time at work, lost my contract, and found myself in the mist of other heavy personal problems. It all seems to come at the same time, doesn’t it? It has put me down and out of combat for a while. Somehow, I have managed to keep my head above water, always thinking of others less fortunate who have succeeded. Always certain that something better awaits for me out there. I still have not found a way out, but keep myself positive and try to make an opportunity of everything that happens. You are inspiring, and as long as people like you exist in this world, we owe to ourselves to stop complaining and seek to be a fighter, a survivor, a mentor for others. Thank you again. RobertoWarren Macdonald says:
So true Roberto. Many things we cannot change, but we’re always in charge of our attitude and response. I’m sorry to hear of your struggle, but grateful to hear that my journey can help in some way. Keep fighting.
Carol Cooke says:
Hi Warren, I think that your journey has inspired many of us. You have taught me that if I want to succeed and change my situation then it is up to me, not anyone else. I certainly live by your philosophy that ‘How you see is what you get’. From the first time I heard that from you it has something that I have strived to teach others. Your positiveness rubs off on many of us, so thank you!
Warren Macdonald says:
Thanks Carol, You’ve certainly done a great job of creating success yourself; keep on charging ahead! Will be cheering for you in Rio (from Canada)!
Shawn Peacock says:
Hi Warren
This is a quote that is in a self help book that is quoting William Shakespeare. “There is nothing either good or bad but thinking make it so.” I believe that it is so true. The way we look at certain situations can impact one way or another. We all have been given a life that may be confronted with difficult situations, but it is really a choice of how we perceive everything. Thanks
Warren Macdonald says:
So true Shawn! And of course ,one man’s good is another man’s evil. Perception lays the foundation for the experiences we have, always.
Maryann says:
Hi Warren. Throughout the years I have struggled with self confidence. That belief that one is never good enough really drains the spirit. Then a few years ago I got the idea to do something which I would’ve never dreamed of before. I not only stepped out of my comfort zone but jumped. It feels quite liberating but still makes me feel uncomfortable on many occasions. That saying do something everyday that scares you is wonderful but can become draining as well because there is still a part of me that struggles with it all. I equate my life to an onion. I peel off a layer and am satisfied until I realize that another one is waiting to be peeled. Life is a journey which can be as wonderful as we allow it to be. Carpe diem!
Warren Macdonald says:
Maryann, now you’ve got me intrigued as to what you did that you’d never done before? Even without knowing though; I love that you jumped!