Perception is Reality; a speedy-kwik revisit – SCN Encourager 6/16/2014

“Perception is reality.”

How many times have you heard this?

Wait, don’t tell me!

Let me guess.

I bet it’s been about umpteen times – squared!

But it’s probably not a bad thing that we hear this so often.

Since it’s one of the pillar statements in the world of communications, we shouldn’t let its repetition bother us.

It’s like we have our own “keep your eye on the ball” maxim!

Those little leaguers don’t have anything on us!

And I really appreciate having a pillar statement that’s easy to remember.

Any pillar statement I don’t have to write on my hand is a winner in my book.

And speaking of my book…

In my book the whole Perception is Reality dynamic is limited solely to chapters 2 and 3.

In my four chapter book, there’s something that impacts Perception is Reality right from the very beginning in chapter 1, and then there’s something that follows it in chapter 4 and hovers in the shadows.

I know you may scoff that my book only has four chapters – but James Patterson I’m not!

Chapter 4 (and no surprise to you) provides the central question that we should ask ourselves once we see we’re in an evolving Perception is Reality situation.

And the question is, is the “perceived reality” the truth?

Perception is Reality may be true as a pillar statement, sure enough.

But it may not be true as an honest portrayal of a person, a group, or the situation at all.

And this is an important fact about many of our Perception is Reality moments.

They seem to take on an energy and life of their own – so we school communicators will always have our work to do.

That’s what chapter 4 is all about.

It serves as a post-it note reminder about the whole truth thing.

Or at least I think it does.

As a climatic stunner for readers – the character representing me actually gets knocked off early in the chapter.

Chapter 1 in my book is more straightforward.

It’s all about the role YOU play in influencing the actual “perception” that shapes the inevitable reality.

If you’re not happy now about being dragged into this round-about, I’m sorry.

It couldn’t be helped.

There’s considerable research which supports the notion that it is our own attitudes and biases that largely predetermine how we choose to see things (aka perceive reality).

And don’tcha think this factors into our respective understandings of Perception is Reality?

You know it does.

This is why chapter 1 in my book is called “Your quirks will lead you right up to the door of your perceptions.”

Cindy thinks the chapter’s title is way too long.

She thinks the word “quirks” is especially fitting coming from me, though.
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And hey! I’d love to have you join us at our “Come Smart. Leave Smarter.” half-day seminar in Lansing on Friday, June 27. Here’s the scoop!

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