All too often, we go through our day, deciding what we’ll experience before an event actually takes place. We are each ‘primed’ by our experiences. We take an past experience, and label it, and then hold that label in our mind as our ‘quick’ reminder of how we perceive the person or event.
For instance, when you look at your calendar and see who you will be meeting with, you’re inclined to label them and judge them based on past experience of your interaction with them, rather than wait to see if it’s repeated this time, or not.
Today, take a frank look at a meeting you have with other people you know ‘well.’ Ask yourself:
“What am I assuming about them and their behavior?”
Right down one assumption you have about each person you’ll be seeing. For instance, “Jerry – impatient” might be one of your notes.
Now, find a different word for the description of each person. You might relabel Jerry as “passionate” or “hoping I’ll see it his way.” Find a new label for each person and hold that label in mind as you start your meeting with them. Make a point to remind yourself of your new label everytime you ‘hear’ the old label creeping into your mind.
Let me know what you come up with in the comment box below.
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