Over the weekend I had breakfast with some friends and I heard the one of the coolest statements ever, said confidently by their youngest who is 7 and a half (the half is always important to kids).
“Bacon is the candy of meats.”
Through my astonishment and giggling, I never stopped to ask if that is an original statement from him.
I thought it was pretty profound for a first grader, even if he lifted it from somewhere else.
It got me thinking about a belief I’ve held for a while – that “perception is reality” – meaning, it doesn’t matter what is true, only what is perceived to be true.
Its certainly not a new idea in the area of business. We are faced with challenging our perceptions every day.
My young friend Adam’s belief is that bacon is good for you. He would eat it in every meal if they let him, his parents say.
He believes bacon is a treat.
He believes it’s the best of all the meats, ‘cause it’s special enough to be considered candy.
Is that your belief about bacon?
The fact (reality) says, bacon isn’t that healthy for us.
Does it matter to him?
No.
His perception is, its good. And healthy.
Why?
Cause he believes it – that is his perception – his reality. But not necessarily the truth. Any energy we throw at trying to convince him otherwise is probably futile.
Ok dreamers, what about dreaming? And I don’t mean dreaming about bacon.
How we perceive any situation, regardless of what exists, has a direct impact on the future results we will experience, or more specifically – the emotions we experience as a result of the perceptions we hold.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”
In the following Ted video by advertising guru Rory Sutherland makes the daring assertion that a change in perceived value can be just as satisfying as what we consider “real” value – and his conclusion has interesting consequences for how we look at life.
On your path to reaching your dreams, are you willing to challenge your perceptions – especially when it comes to things that get in the way of achieving them?
It may take some comfort zone busting, but if it’s about reaching our dreams – isn’t it worth it?
Until next photo,
Rem
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a photographer … then the world. Remy’s post day is Friday
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a respected photographer . . . then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday. +Remy Gervais
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