How to Reframe Perception: You Are the Master of Your Own Destiny

Over the course of this series, we’ve talked about reframing many different things.

• Failure
• Fear
• Success
• Perfection
• Wealth
• Time
• Holidays
• Self-Worth
• Expectations
• Change
• Choice
• Communication

Do you know what they all have in common? Your Perception; It’s all about shaping your perceptions. That’s truly what we have been talking about all this time.

It’s true that perception is reality, but it’s one that we have total control over. Your perception is not made of stone.
I read this great line and had to share it with you.

“Everything begins with a decision – decide now to be in charge of your own perception of reality. Because if you don’t, there are plenty of folks whose sole purpose in life is to craft that perception for you. Do you trust them to have your best interest in mind…?” [Your Perception IS Your Reality by Tony D Clark]

I’m not comfortable with others shaping my reality, so I reframe to ensure I’m always the master of my own destiny.

What is Perception?

I’ll tell you what it isn’t. It’s not fact or science, it’s impressions. By definition, perception is the process of perceiving something with the senses. What do we know about the senses? They can be fooled, both by others and yourself. They are fallible as are those that have them. Here’s my favorite example of this. It blows my mind every single time I watch it.

You can trick your senses therefore you have the power to control your perceptions. Since they are malleable, why wouldn’t you want to be the one to pull the strings. Is that something you want to give another person? The power to control your perceptions and decide your fate?

There’s Power in Control

I’m sure you’ve heard and seen it before, but there is power in control. You lose power when you lose control and you gain it when you take control. This is the basis of reframing. There will always be situations where, at a glance, it can appear there are no options. We feel trapped with no way out. Reframing your perspectives is about taking that power back. Here’s an example from my recent experiences. You see, I live in a place called Kitimat, BC and right now, we have a metric poop load of snow. There are drifts higher than I am, and the snow keeps falling. If I were to look at the situation, without considering the impact of my perceptions, I’d would be throwing a temper tantrum. I would be raging at the snow, the fact that it won’t ever stop, that I can never ever leave the house; “It’s too much, we’re TRAPPED!” There was a time when that’s exactly how my thought processes work. However, if I reframe the situation, things look different. I see that there are options. I could get upset and throw a tantrum which is unproductive. Or I could put that energy into shoveling a path to the outside world. By putting the situation into perspective, I can see the truth. That a tantrum is a waste of valuable time and energy where shoveling puts it to good use. No brainer now, hey?

Challenge Your Perception

When it comes to your perception, it’s important to recognize first your most limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are assumptions that our brain is making that are counterproductive to our development. They limit our growth and must be stopped. Since I work with entrepreneurs and business owners most, I’ll draw from some of the more common limiting beliefs.

1. I can’t raise my rates, I’d lose my customers.
2. I’ll never be as successful as XYZ.
3. I can’t find customers because I don’t have a huge ad budget.

All three of the above statements can be considered limiting beliefs. Each can affect change in your life, and each one needs to be challenged. Could you convince a stranger that your beliefs were truths? Are they based in reality with facts to back them up? To reframe these beliefs, you’re going to need to examine your story from an outsider’s perspective. What are the truths you’re hiding in your limited beliefs? Will raising rates truly cause ALL your customers to stop working with you? Or, would it perhaps open the way to newer, higher paying customers? Can you truly say you’ll never be as successful as XYZ, or is it that you’re afraid to reach out and take it? Do you really believe spending thousands and thousands on advertising will bring you customers? Or are you making excuses to avoid acting? Perception is reality but not immutable. Challenge them, be HONEST about what you are really saying, so that you can move forward in life. If you truly believe that you’ll never succeed, guess what? You won’t. Once you challenge it and find your truths, you can begin finding a true solution to your problem.

If You Can Reframe You Can Achieve Anything

It all comes down to a simple truth. Your perceptions shape your reality, but you shape your perceptions. It’s the ability to reframe perceptions that will allow you to become a more fulfilled and positive individual. By always being mindful and present you can reframe your way to a better you. You have the inner power to take back control of your own life, no matter the challenges ahead. If you reframe it, you control it. I hope you’ve enjoyed this series as much as I have writing it. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to bringing you ever more amazing content in the future.