Perception determines your outlook on life. Depending on what beliefs you’ve picked up along your journey, things can appear threatening or exciting and full of adventures. All it takes to turn things around is a mindset shift and, as it turns out, this is all free and in your control.
How you interpret your reality will change your behaviors and as a result, direct which paths you take. It can be the difference between struggling to find happiness or being blissful for no reason every day. As you can see, it’ll be extremely rewarding for you to learn how to optimize your outlook.
Let’s get started on transforming your perception for the better!
1. Improve the perception you have of yourself
You create who you are with the thoughts you have of yourself. The skills you believe you have will determine whether or not you work towards ambitious goals.
You can either focus on your worst traits and negative experiences or your best qualities and accomplishments. As a result, what you concentrate on will influence your actions and overall confidence level.
What is the perception you have of yourself? Are these opinions based on cognitive distortions or facts?
When you think about achieving a lifelong dream, what do you tell yourself about it? Do you assume you don’t have the ability or the time to achieve it? Or that you’ll work on it some other day, however it’s never the right time to start?
If so, you are sabotaging your potential with excuses. Start encouraging yourself to start on your dreams because the ideal situation or day doesn’t exist. Make it a point to think about your positive qualities and talents, instead of past failures and flaws. Then you’ll train your brain to have more positive, confidence-building thoughts.
2. Reshape your perception of the past
Perception is the way you explain reality to yourself. It’s what you choose to ignore and what you obsess about most days. In general, it’s based on your past experiences, thought patterns, and what others have told you about yourself.
If these memories are negative, they can distort your reality. Furthermore, imagine how many joyful experiences you’ve missed out on because of it.
So, really ask yourself, what experiences from your past always hold you back from striving for your dream life? Did you experience a painful rejection?
Write them down and ask yourself if you did or didn’t do what caused it.
Decide to adopt new positive beliefs and allow yourself to let go of that experience.
It has served its purpose, and that was to teach you something important.
3. Gain awareness of your perception of the world
The way your perception became skewed was by allowing destructive thoughts to play in your mind. Regardless of how damaging they might have been, you gave them free rein over your mental world.
If you hear or think something enough times, you’ll eventually believe it. When your beliefs change, you alter your perception. Thus, shaping your entire life until you take the time to fix them.
No matter where you are in life, you have the power to change your beliefs. So, make it a point to notice what you’re thinking so you can take back control over your thoughts.
4. Journal
A great way to realize what you’ve been thinking is to journal. Journaling is essentially writing out your thoughts on paper (or computer). As you’re journaling, don’t worry about what you’re writing, just let it flow and see what happens. You can learn a lot about yourself this way and develop self-awareness.
So, get some paper and write out the following:
- What areas of your life do you want to improve?
- Write your theories of why you aren’t succeeding in those areas now.
- List some examples that prove your theories aren’t always true.
- What do you want your life to look like in 5 years? How will you make that a reality?
The more you journal and ask yourself questions, the more you’ll learn about how you perceive the world. Not to mention, you’ll discover what you want to change.
5. Shift your perception about money and rich people
If you have negative beliefs about money or wealthy people, then you block yourself from it. Subconsciously, you will push away opportunities that would pay you more. Or you would not seek better employment.
If you hold on to these beliefs, you’ll spend your life stressed out and living paycheck to paycheck.
Make note of all the good people out there that are wealthy and who donate to charities. Don’t tell yourself they’re all evil because that isn’t true.
6. Practice gratitude instead of anger
Train yourself to focus on what you’re thankful for every day rather than what makes you angry. So instead of taking things for granted, be grateful for all the wonderful aspects of your world.
Get started on the right foot each day by beginning it with gratitude before you even get out of bed. Name three things you’re lucky to have in your life. When you lie down at night, think of three more things that you’re grateful for.
7. Evaluate your friend’s perceptions
Who do you hang out with will impact how you view the world. So if all your friends are complainers and slackers, then run for the hills! Their opinions can rub off on you!
People usually believe the same things their friends do. So, keep your distance from those with a victim mindset and hateful people. Instead, spend time with ambitious, positive people.
8. Replace negative beliefs
Perception is how you organize, identify, and interpret the world around you. We all subconsciously collect negative thoughts of things, people, and even ourselves.
So, it’s vital to replace those beliefs before they distort everything. Ask yourself what thoughts always hold you back from doing what you want in life? Do you assume negative things about what others think of you?
Rewrite those negative beliefs to be more positive and encouraging. Write them on a little piece of paper and put them in your wallet or purse, so you see them every day.
9. Stay conscious of your perception every day
Unfortunately, the above tips won’t help you if you don’t continually practice them. Many people created their perceptions by repeatedly thinking discouraging thoughts. Therefore, they can build a new outlook by repeating positive things.
It doesn’t benefit anyone to dwell on or talk about hateful, defeatist opinions. Therefore, make it a point to not share these ideas on social media or with friends.
In short, if you change your perception about life or even one aspect of it, can make every day a little better. People will want to be around your new optimistic attitude because they want that too.
So catch yourself thinking that the world is a dark place and that no one is trustworthy and flip it around. Tell yourself that the world embraces who you are and that you have an edge over the competition.
But, don’t morph into an egomaniac, keep everything in moderation!
Focus on your best qualities and steer away from people who preach hateful messages. Even if you agree with them, hate is an emotion that will tear you down mentally. Furthermore, it will take your perception with it!
Your perception is deeply embedded in your mind, so it’ll take some time to make permanent changes. However, if you stick with it, you can transform everything.
Keep your thoughts on more beneficial things by subscribing so you get new Motivated Progress posts every week! Much love!
