The Power of Perception

There are several variables to explore in understanding the true power of perception. The basic definition(s) are listed below.

Perception:

• percept: the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept
• a way of conceiving something; "Luther had a new perception of the Bible"
• the process of perceiving
• knowledge gained by perceiving; "a man admired for the depth of his perception"
• sensing: becoming aware of something via the senses

Whenever we explore the fundamental principles of psychology, we must acknowledge the foundation begins with our ability to interpret our sense of self, in and amidst our surroundings.

Theoretically, everything we are today, or that in which we hope to become tomorrow; orbits around the nucleus of our perception(s) and the ability to perceive, interpret, and enhance our intuition(s), by measure of our senses.

Therefore, if your interested in achieving personal development or enhancing your business mindset, you must expand the way you perceive both the challenges that lye ahead and increase the probability of the outcome becoming successful. This is no easy task for most, as it's easier to remember our prior bad experiences or even failures, over that of our successful achievements.

Metaphorically speaking, if a successful surgeon performs 200 heart transplants successfully, and then loses one patient for reasons beyond his/her control, how do you imagine the family members will perceive that doctor's performance?

Which will be more relevant in the doctor's mind...the one loss? or the 200 successes?

In complicating this process further we'll add into the equation; Freud's notable mention of the affects of outside influences (i.e. people, places, and things) in our past and present environment.

There are several theories that suggest we become the bi-products of the influences we are subjected to in and throughout our lives. In absolution, we inherit genetic traits, habits, and characteristics of several influences during our upbringing and throughout our lives. Subjectively, the greatest influences perhaps begin as children with our parent(s) or guardian(s). Many psychologists believe; a child fully develops a conscious awareness and full character traits at or around age 7.

So, before I begin raising my arguments and dissecting this 'limited' insight we are trained to acquire and often take for granted, I will personally admit outside influence is indeed a major ingredient in formulating who we are today, with little or no debate.

However, let it be we acknowledge the true power perception wields, and weigh it upon the scales of influence.

For example:

In Edgar Rice Burroughs novel "Tarzan of the Apes" written in 1912, a child is raised in an African jungle by apes. In order to truly appreciate the difference between perception and influence; let's explore a bit further.

In short, if we take into consideration that this child was raised in an environment by wild animals away from his natural habitat and fellow humans, which force is greater...

Influence? -Or- Perception?

Systematically, we are often misled to believe that the outside influences of people, places, and things in our environment are responsible for the circumstances in which we develop our moral fabric, sense of being, and should somehow justify our actions or lack thereof.

In our quest for meaning, purpose, and significance, we often tend to place a heavy reliance on the way we are viewed in the societal arena. In most cases our being accepted, liked, or even loved, is generally a stock we all desire to acquire more shares of.

Too often, we lose a sense of self, and the desire to be accepted becomes a greater priority then preserving our true happiness.

How many people have you met that initially appeared to share your similar interests, only to have time reveal later, that the truth which was anything but the sort?

Truth be told, several people are impart handicapped by being witness to, or as a direct result of abuse, addiction, or some form of affliction which too can greatly affect or alter their behavioral patterns, actions, characteristic expressions, or can trigger some regressive tendencies as a direct result of specific influences in their surroundings.

As a result, many of us refuse to accept fault, and often attempt to leverage a certain measure of sympathy be given towards our prior or current circumstances. We can see this type of behavior everywhere. Simply look at the ever-present prejudices, and stereotypical behavior of society at large.

Slowly, we have adopted this silent ignorance as a society that it's not our fault. Few take ownership over their own ignorance, but are quick to point out another's. Sure, blame it on reality TV. Better still, it's all our parents fault for traumatizing us with their inability to see beyond themselves. If that don't jive blame it on God. Generally, we are the last ones on this list to acknowledge our own fault, until we change our perceptions, acknowledge our own imperfections, and then come to realize; our our servitude to society (like most people) demands that which itself cannot truly give.

The point being, our perception holds the power to utilize the positive and negative influences of people, places, and things. Perhaps, this post is a bit raw, but  if we look a little deeper, open our minds, and explore life with the optimism of a child, we can appreciate our hardships and our successes equally. This applies in all areas of our lives.

At the end of the day, a child raised by wild apes is not an ape, as Tarzan came to eventually acknowledge.

By survival's instinctual nature, it's quite possible to conceive there are children so unfortunate that their current circumstances could be equal to being raised by or in the company of wild animals, no doubt. Society itself  often qualifies as wild animals if you explore it enough.

However, there is a responsibility we must acknowledge, take ownership over, and demands our respect. It centers around our perceptions. If we learn to control our perceptions, we learn to visualize, and control the outcome. Naturally, the best laid plans do not always produce the expected results, but more often than not; if exercised properly it will get you one step closer.

The first thing we must train ourselves to accept is; 'being under blinded influence' does not justify us becoming the product of  that which we despise. Neither does it serve as a base for escaping the reality that we must be responsible for our actions.

In closing, ask yourself a few simple questions and be 100% honest in answering them. It may not make much sense now, but I assure you it will later. Review the questions below, answer them thoroughly with no limitations on the length of your answers, and keep an eye open for my next entry entitled:

"Mastering the Reality of True Success"

• What are my true talents and strengths?
• What are my true passions and desires?
• Where would I like to go from where I am now?
• Finally, who am I really? 

Again, answer these few simple questions with honesty, we'll cover the significance of your answers in the next post. Ultimately, the first step to reaching a level of success requires a specific acknowledgement of self, and of who you are. I call this process "The Gauntlet" as it requires passing a series of challenges to truly benefit from the reality of taking back your life!

T.B.C.

To Your Future and Your Success,

Professor Truth