On Perception
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t - you’re right”
- Henry Ford
Perception is powerful. At its best, it can help you rise above challenges by seeing the bigger picture. At its worst, it turns minor issues into major problems. Whether good or bad, perception defines your reality, creating illusions of truth.
A coach helps by offering new perspectives, challenging perception, and encouraging clients to see problems differently – to try new ways of thinking. More art than science, these shifts can create significant momentum.
My perception created obstacles when I decided to leave my job at a media agency. Although I was determined to find a new role, in each listing I found reasons why companies would choose some “other” over me. I focused on the requirements that did not match my experience and ignored the ones that did. These false beliefs, driven by my own perception, built a negative narrative and held me back from applying.
The fear of not being qualified for a new job, and the self-doubt that sat behind the fear, was a perfect topic to explore with my coach. First and foremost, he correctly remarked that the only way to find a new job was to stretch myself and actually submit applications. He challenged me to take a step, to apply to five jobs – I accepted that challenge.
While applying to jobs was crucial, my mindset also needed scrutiny. I had been fixating entirely on why I wouldn’t get a new job, fearing that I would remain stuck in a career that I did not want. My coach encouraged me to reflect on why I would, in fact, get a new job. I listed out several things that were true: I had received promotions, worked on major accounts, managed a team with several direct reports, and saw myself as a fast learner.
This conversation shifted my focus and my perception, from my limitations to my value, which gave me the motivation to lean into my job search. Of those five jobs I applied to, I got two interviews. Although those did not work out, they proved that my negative narrative was a false one. I was able to shake off the self-doubt and continue my job search with confidence, eventually landing an exciting role at a startup.
Henry Ford’s quote above sums up the challenge I faced. My perception made me believe that I could not get a job – because this held me back, it became my reality. My coach’s encouragement helped me shift my mindset, to focus on my strengths, which fostered self-belief that empowered me to succeed. The power of perception was on full display throughout my job search, and I am grateful to my coach for helping me turn it from a blocker into a tool for growth.
I offer some questions for reflection and contemplation:
How aware are you of the role perception plays in your life?
Is perception your ally or your enemy?
Where could a shift in perspective benefit your life or work?
If this post resonated with you, or you want to discover the power of perception, let’s connect over an exploratory discovery call: www.jakelanger.com/contact
