How to Change Your Perception

When you're not happy or not coping easily, the problem may not be with the situation around you, but instead how you perceive it. Unfortunately, changing perception doesn't always come easily. People's preconceived notions, beliefs, convictions, experiences, outlooks, desires and dreams are all a part of how they see the world around them. Depending on who you are, how you think and what you're ready for, changing your perception might take a second or a lifetime. However, your desire, willingness and efforts to change your point of view can make a big difference.

Instructions

• 1

  Put yourself in other people's shoes. When you come at an issue, problem, event or concept from the perspective of someone with a different life path, personality or emotional outlook, you can often gain new insights. At the same time, think critically. Other people's ideas may be partially right, or their outlooks might be right for them and not for you.

• 2

  Discuss your thoughts and feelings with others. People close to you are often safe people to talk to and have your best interest at heart. You may find, however, that acquaintances and strangers with little personal interest in your issues and life may offer you ideas and views that are more honest or useful than you get from people you know well.

• 3

  Read books and literature on topics related to the perceptions you want to change. A non-fiction piece by an expert can be useful to gain new understandings and reliable information on something that concerns you. Some people find literature helpful for inspiration or insights without research or a factual tone. Whatever your tastes in reading, the chances are that someone else has written about issues similar to yours.

• 4

  See a therapist. Whether you choose a marriage and family therapist, a behaviorist who urges cognitive therapy or a Freudian psychologist who urges exploration into your subconscious -- they all serve to help you work through your thoughts and emotions to come to new conclusions. Good therapists act as guides for you to undertake a process of reassessment, evaluation and resolution that may result in new perceptions.

• 5

  Take up a personal practice. Activities such as yoga, martial arts, meditation and prayer that tap into philosophical and spiritual beliefs offer transformative experiences that help people gain new perceptions and insights into themselves and their worlds. People find the most perceptual change when they conduct their practice in conjunction with understanding the ideas and beliefs behind them.