I was changing clothes the other day when I noticed a tag on the inside waistband of my jeans that said “Jones New York” [the brand]. For years, I had thought of them as being Lee jeans. I do own other jeans made by Lee; I guess I just lumped them all together in my head. [No wonder I’ve never been able to find another pair at a thrift store!] Anyway, this simple incident brought up the idea of how we can hold onto ideas for years, even when there is clear evidence of the contrary- even when there are labels emblazoned with the actual brand name and sewn onto the pants in three different places. We see what we choose to see.
I guess that’s not inherently a bad thing- only if what we choose to believe is detrimental. At first, I thought the message of this story was going to be to step back and see things as they actually are. (Are you really “an awful cook,” or did one pot of rice burn on the bottom?)
But seeing things as they are right now is limiting, too. Even if no one can guess what any of your drawings represent during Pictionary, that doesn’t mean you should label yourself as being horrible at drawing. Why not leave the door open to the possibility of change and growth?
What good does it do to think of yourself as ugly or stupid or bad at playing musical instruments? What if you chose to see yourself as attractive, intelligent, and a decent musician? How would that change your behavior? What if we chose to see a world where we’re all attractive and intelligent and decent musicians? I want to host a party where we kick those outdated, mildewed, useless conclusions to the curb. You’re all invited.