Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

It is often accepted that a person’s perception is reality. Perhaps more accurate, what a person accepts as reality becomes their reality and this acceptance is largely based on perception. Perception however has many factors.

The thing we perceive is largely information. Information comes in many forms, some more creditable than others. To this end our sources of information have an effect on what we see as reality. What we see as reality largely influences the choices we make and thus our lives. Perhaps to a larger degree than many realize, the information we accept influences our lives.

I believe the sources of information we choose to accept will affect our lives. If all information were equally accurate, this would not be much of a problem. As most people realize this is rarely the case. An example might be the public media as it exist today.

Many news items range from biased to untrue. Much of what is considered news is little more than opinion or worse. Rather than accept this prepackaged interpretation, might it not be beneficial to use a more scientific method of gathering information? For instance, observation, testing, studying and then acceptance. Also known as plan, do, study, act or PDSA.

For example someone says the economy is terrible. Ask how they know this and they will cite several examples. Look into the examples given and basically the media has said so. They accept this information and it becomes their reality. Their actions then reflect their belief and their circumstances may suffer as a result.

Rather than accept such reports, I might study my own environment. Am I doing as well as ever; yes quite well. Is business as good; yes we are up over 20% for the year. Therefore my information shows business is great. My perception is that business is great and thus my reality. My actions reflect this reality and my circumstances are good.

I find we create our own circumstances. At very least, we are solely responsible for them. If I am displeased with my situation, it is up to no one but me to change it. I believe I may start to do so by ignoring unfounded claims of doom and gloom. Instead, I may begin to create a more accurate reality by managing my perception.

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA