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Our Perception Determines Our Experience

Not long ago, I traveled back east to Ohio and Chicago. While I was there, I was amazed that friends I made along my journey seemed to have completely different observations of state in which they lived.

For example, when I asked what winters were like in their town, I got completely opposite answers from people, depending on where they originally lived. When I asked question of a former Californian, she talked as if she’d landed in Siberia, recounting snowfall and treacherous conditions meant for only wildest of beasts. When I asked same question of a native resident, he painted a beautiful picture of changing seasons, each more spectacular than last, and recounted wonderful memories of having fortune to grow up in such a picturesque land.

What’s difference here?

Their perception dictated their experience.

It’s like old stories about a bank robbery. The event could take place in broad daylight, with 30 eyewitnesses, yet each gives a completely different account of what he or she saw happen. It’s like when someone in your office or home says something to you, and you receive a different message than person intended.

Why does this happen?

I believe it’s because

Our perception determines our experience.

It works like this. I bet at one time or another we’ve all gone into a grocery store and noticed that everyone seemed happy, helpful, and cheery that day. Even people in checkout line were full of good spirits. Yet, when we’ve gone another day, we’ve had a completely different experience. We found people to be grumpy and in a bad mood—every one of them.

The art of making money, and make no mistake about it, it is an art, is synonymous with problem solving. Consider this scenario:

Bob is presented with a great opportunity. He hears testimonials of others already making money in business. He likes products and believes company is trustworthy and has an excellent potential for growth. Before long Bob starts telling himself, “I can do this.” He is excited. He joins. But this is not a “he lives happily ever after story.”

Actually moment Bob signed on dotted line and joined business he put himself in a position to solve some problems. As story continues, Bob is still excited about prospects of his new business opportunity. There he goes… attempting to sell company’s product. He gets rejection after rejection. He tries a different approach. Still no success. The excitement is starting to wind down. He is no longer sure if he made right decision. In fact, he starts second guessing himself more than ever. Doubt creeps in. The months pass and still no progress. Finally, Bob realizes this thing isn’t going to work. He quits and tries to forget he ever spent his time and money trying such a ridicules idea.

To many of us this sounds very familiar. Again, art of making money is synonymous with problem solving. There is one reality you must take with you from reading this article, and it’s a gold mine so pay close attention. In every business there are going be problems which you are going to have to solve. If there were no problems, there would be no business. The good news is that better you get at solving problems, more money you will make.

In Bob’s case, problem was ineffective marketing. Could Bob have found a solution? Absolutely. But instead he quit. Now guess what, anywhere Bob goes he will be faced with dilemma of having to solve problems. In fact, even if Bob gave up his dream to be his own boss and started working for someone else, he still has to solve problems. Every job, in every company in world is geared toward solving a problem. The major difference is that while working for someone else person may get a heads up on a few solutions for his job. The other side of coin is that no matter how many problems Bob solves for his job, most likely his pay will not reflect his problem solving skills. Only by owning, operating and solving your own problems can a person reap rewards of amassing wealth.