Thoughts vs. Reality

Our internal state of mind is not always an accurate reflection of our reality. We filter information as we take it in, and then we give it meaning. How we process the world around us varies from person to person, and it is easy to create a story in our minds about something that is not necessarily representative of reality. Not only that, but our thoughts can then influence our reality. As leaders, it is important to recognize the value we place on our experiences, the meaning we assign to certain things, and the perception bias that might be holding us back from achieving more.

Our perception of reality is based on a culmination of what we have experienced leading up to this point and what it meant to us. Without even intending to, we create a story in our minds about what is happening. For example, if your previous boss gave you the silent treatment every time they were upset about something, you would assume that because your current boss did not say hello to you when they passed by that something is wrong. In reality, it could’ve been that they did not see you, they were in a hurry, or they nodded to you in acknowledgement but did not speak. There are a number of reasons why they may not have said anything, even as simple as losing their voice. When we are conditioned to think one way, it can be difficult to consider any other alternative.

While our thoughts do not always reflect true reality, they can still shape our experience of reality. What we think often affects what we do, and what we do creates our outcomes. When we want to change those outcomes, we must first evaluate what our thoughts are and determine if we are willing to change them. When we hold onto certain thoughts for too long, they become beliefs, and our beliefs can either help or hinder us. We don’t need to add anymore limitations on ourselves. We already deal with enough challenges in business as it is.

While our thoughts do help shape us, we don’t have to let them define us. The mind is a powerful tool, and it can be untrained just as well as it can be trained. The next time you find yourself unhappy with reality, ask yourself what the story is that you have created, and then ask yourself if you can change that story. Which thoughts are benefitting you, and which thoughts are holding you back? Take control of the narrative, and shape the reality you want to experience.

-Meghan Slaughter