Last week I shared with you how our beliefs and values shape our perceptual filters. I specifically focused on the potential disadvantages of the way we filter (out of absolute necessity) the overwhelming 2 million bits of data our sense receive every second. This can make these filters seem ‘bad’ but they aren’t. They are really very clever techniques we have developed; we just need to become more aware of their impact and learn how to use them to our advantage. Let’s take Key Steps this week to …
Use perceptual filters wisely
1.Deleting: Deleting is the basis of sanity. With a minimum of 2 million bits of information coming at us at one time…our neurology needs to delete a lot of information. This information is based on everything we see, hear, smell, taste and feel. If we couldn’t delete, we would literally go insane. What we don’t delete we generalise or distort…
2.Generalising: Generalising is the basis of all learning. When we learn something, like opening a door for the first time, we generalise how to open all doors. Even if the door has a different knob, or lever, we generalise our learning of how to open one door to all others. People who generalise well are great learners.
3.Distorting: Distorting is the basis of creativity. People that distort information easily are often very creative. Architects, artists and designers are all examples of creative people who ‘distort’ for a living.
Can you see how these filters are so necessary? Even though they can sometimes trip you up, keep you stuck with limited perceptions and cause poor communication and conflict, we cannot do without them.
Join us on our Assertive Communication & Conflict Management or Emotional Intelligence workshops and you’ll learn how to DGD effectively, overcome limiting beliefs, re-programme yourself for success and…
