Perception is (Not) Reality

THE INVISIBLE MAN

Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed as if you were the Invisible Man? Nothing made the slightest dent on the person you were having a conversation with. They didn’t care what you said or did. As far as they were concerned, they were right and you were wrong. Period. Perception is NOT reality.

CLOSED MIND

For example: The doctor says you need a lifestyle change. Behavior modification. Walk at least thirty minutes a day? No. Stay away from fried, salty, and sweet food? No. Sleep before midnight instead of watching Netflix till dawn? No. You tell the doctor to simply issue you a prescription because ‘that’s what meds are for’. Perception is NOT reality.

THE BOSS IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT

I was totally appalled when I met a boss who obnoxiously told me: “ Don’t expect much from the staff. Their brains are good only up to a certain level.” How atrocious!

Apparently, he did not acknowledge that some of the movers and shakers in the world did not have high level education in fancy or classy schools and universities. Just because he had a PhD and MBA, he believed he was a notch higher than the rest of mankind. Perhaps he never heard of Uber and Airbnb? Perception is NOT reality.

DARE TO CHANGE

Perhaps, it’s time you change the lenses from which you view the world. Could it be that your mental lenses need cleaning? Wake up. The world does not revolve around you.

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Remember, the dinosaur became extinct because it didn’t believe in change.

1. Have the courage and humility to ask for feedback.

2. Don’t disregard the value of another person’s perspective, even if it is not aligned with yours.

3. Do not have violent reactions - or wear your ‘defense’ armor - and challenge people to a verbal duel.

Innovate or stagnate… or go extinct. The pandemic has taught us that lesson loud and clear. Hey, you are not a dinosaur. Change!

vivienshowandtell@gmail.com