There’s a Dove ad that came out a few years back where a forensic artist was hired to sketch pictures of women based first on how they described themselves and a second picture based on how others described them. Interestingly enough, many of the women overemphasized any perceived shortcomings that they had. The result? The pictures that the artist drew that were based on the women’s descriptions of themselves were much less visually attractive than the images that were based on how others saw them. You can take a look at the video below (3 minutes):
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As the video points out, how we see ourselves, is usually different from how others see us. Our self-perception is the result of our collective experiences over a period of time. And what we conclude about ourselves is the result of whatever filter we choose to look through in the moment.
This is not limited to just our perception of our physical appearance, it applies to other areas as well, whether it’s our intellectual abilities, our natural talents or our strength, courage and tenacity. We typically see less where others will see more. We see the version of ourselves as told through our injured emotional and mental filters while others view us more objectively.
What happens is, we will create a story based on the two negative experiences that we had instead of the ten positive ones. The thing is, they are both stories and they are each simply the result of the pieces of information that we’ve hand selected and chosen to include — again, based on our prior experiences. Both stories, just shaded differently depending on our state of mind as we craft them.
So, you see, by the time this process winds down, we are moving through the world and making decisions based on stories that may or may not have anything to do with actual reality and truth.
What to do?
As oxymoronic as it sounds, I want you to add another layer and filter.
But this time, the filter only aims to elicit a response to one question, which is this:
“Which story supports me in moving towards the highest vision that I hold for myself?”
And then, if you must choose a story, then choose the one that will grow you.
My point is this, the truth of who you are probably has very little to do with the story that is playing in your head.
So, as you navigate your career, refuse to make decisions based on stories that only contain half or partial truths. And know that any story that detracts and does not add to your livelihood in some way is indeed a false one.
As a matter of fact, the best story that you can concoct is probably leaps and bounds away from the truth of your magnificence. I assure you, you are more brilliant than you know. ;-)
Owning Change Quote of the Week: “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”– Marcus Aurelius
Monica Moody
Monica Moody
