The Truth about Truth: Why Perception is Everything

change mindset May 06, 2023

Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you're absolutely certain that you're right, but someone else thinks the exact opposite? It can be frustrating, right? But here's the thing: truth is subjective. What's true for you might not be true for someone else.

Now, before you start protesting and saying that there are facts that are true for everyone, hear me out. Let's say you're holding a pen in your hand. You know for a fact that it's a pen, and you can prove it to anyone who asks. But what about things that aren't as clear-cut as a pen? What about opinions, emotions, and perceptions?

You might think that your perception of a situation is the truth, but someone else might see it completely differently. And that's okay! It doesn't mean that one of you is right and the other is wrong. It just means that you have different perspectives.

So, why does this matter? Well, when you're stuck in your own truth, it can be really hard to see someone else's point of view. You might get defensive, or even angry, because you think that they're attacking your truth. But if you can shift from truth to perception, you can start to see things from a different angle.

Here are a few tips to help you shift your perspective:

  1. Practice empathy: Try to put yourself in someone else's shoes. What might be influencing their perception of the situation? What experiences have they had that might be shaping their truth?

  2. Ask questions: Instead of assuming that your truth is the only truth, ask the other person about their perspective. Listen to what they have to say, and try to understand where they're coming from.

  3. Be open-minded: You don't have to agree with someone else's truth, but you can be open to the possibility that there might be more than one way to see things.

  4. Check your own biases: We all have biases that shape our perceptions. Take some time to reflect on your own biases, and how they might be influencing your truth.

Shifting from truth to perception takes practice, but it's worth it. You'll start to see the world in a whole new way, and you'll be able to connect with people in a deeper and more meaningful way.

So, the next time you find yourself in a disagreement, take a deep breath, and remember that truth is subjective. It's all about perception, baby!

Are you a quietly determined career woman looking to get to your first, or next level leadership role?

Join us in the Women in Leadership facebook group for community, support and guidance.

Join the facebook group