How Perception Influences Choices
"We don't see things as they are. We see them as we are." --Anais Nin
It is estimated that we make thousands of choices every day. Have you ever thought about why you choose what you choose?
Your perception, right or wrong, is a major influence on what you choose.
Perception is the way you interpret the people, events, and things around you. Your perception is the unique way you interpret your environment and world. Your choices are to some degree, based on that interpretation.
Perception happens through our senses; we hear, we see, we taste, we feel, and we smell. We then choose what we want to give our attention to. If we think (or perceive) that something is not important, we will probably choose to ignore it. That does not mean it is not important; we just perceive it to be unimportant. If we think something is important, our subconscious mind then gives that event, object, or person what is called an emotional marker such as good or bad, safe or dangerous, trustworthy or not. It categorizes the event or thing, or person.
Whenever we encounter that same occurrence (or person) again, the same emotional marker pops up and influences our attitude towards the event or person, and of course, eventually our behavior towards it.
In other words, our attitude and/or behavior is based on the emotional marker that our subconscious mind gave it at that first encounter.
But here's the problem. The emotional marker that is guiding our subconscious mind may be based on information, past experience, cultural background, personal biases, beliefs, or personal values – all of which may not be relevant in the current situation! In other words, your perception may be based on outdated, irrelevant, or incorrect information.
When making choices, it is important to consider your perception, and evaluate whether that perception is justified and applicable in the current situation by asking yourself if you are considering a past experience which is irrelevant, or believing something that is wrong or irrelevant, and do you need to re-evaluate your personal values.
Choices are important because they decide the direction our lives take. Make them good ones by taking the time to examine the truth of your perception. When you do, you will begin to improve the quality of your choices.
Coach DianaD.
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