Ever have one of those days where you feel like the world is out to get you? Maybe your morning tea tasted like dishwater, your boss gave you that death stare, and even your favorite pair of jeans suddenly don’t fit right. Okay, before you spiral into an abyss of self-pity, let me ask you this: What if the universe isn’t conspiring against you? What if it’s just your own skewed frame of reference casting a long shadow over your day?
Your reality isn’t as solid as you think. What you see, feel, and experience is all a product of your own mind’s little magic trick called “perspective.” For example, take two people responding to an off-the-cuff remark you made. One of them chuckles, thinking you’re just a sarcastic genius. The other, however, glares at you like you’ve just insulted their mother. Same words, different reactions. That’s because everyone’s got their own little twisted lens which they view the world through. Your own frame of reference shapes how you see everything.
Let’s not sugarcoat it; we’re all living in our own mental funhouses, where mirrors distort reality, and nothing is as it seems. The universe is just reflecting what you expect to see. If you walk around thinking everyone’s out to get you, chances are, you’ll find plenty of “evidence” to back that up. But your twisted perception can be bent to your advantage.
Believe in Possibilities
If your frame of reference is one where hard work pays off, you’ll probably push through just about any obstacle life throws at you. But if you’re convinced the universe is just one big cosmic joke, you’ll likely throw in the towel before the race even begins. The difference between success and failure often depends on your belief in whether success is even on the menu.
Your frame of reference is like the operating system for your brain. If you’re running on outdated software — perhaps based on beliefs formed from a string of unfortunate experiences — then it’s no wonder things keep crashing and burning. The good news, though, is you can upgrade any time you choose. Sure, it takes some work, maybe a few therapy sessions and a self-help book or two. But, once you’re running on a better system, everything starts to work a lot more smoothly.
Map Things Out, But Don’t Expect Google to Do It For You
Don’t expect results to just fall into your lap. If you want to become a better writer, athlete, or artist, you need to map out your path. Your frame of reference is your GPS. If you’re programmed to think you’re capable of improving, you’ll see progress. But if your internal GPS keeps telling you that you’re driving down a dead-end street, well, you’ll probably stay stuck in the same old rut.
So, how do we reprogram our GPS? It all begins with putting everything in context. Many of us are given very little information to work with on a daily basis. Very often we are only told one side of a story. Yet, reality is often two-sided, and more often multi-sided.
If you’re the kind of person who always sees the glass as half-empty, then life is going to seem like one long drought. But flip that coin over, and you’ll find that a little optimism can go a long way. Sure, bad stuff happens. But if you’re always looking out for the worst-case scenario, you’ll find it. Rather, you should train yourself to see the silver lining instead. Let’s face it, the alternative is just plain exhausting.
Use Your Brain: It’s There for a Reason
Got a problem? Well, before you start panicking, try using your brain. Break the problem down into bite-sized chunks, chew on them for a while, and see what solutions you can come up with. The world’s not out to get you, at least, not most of the time. Most of your problems are just puzzles waiting to be solved. So, stop sulking and start solving.
Okay, so maybe that’s a bit harsh. But the truth is, we do have ways to solve problems right in our own imaginations. For example, visualization is one of the most powerful tools you’ve got. If you can see your goals clearly in your mind, you’ve already won half the battle. Unfortunately, most people visualize all the things that could go wrong. Don’t be one of those people. Instead, see yourself winning, achieving, and succeeding. Because if you can see it, you can hold it in your hands. That is, unless you’re too busy wringing them in despair.
Where Visualization Goes Wrong and Manifests Disaster
While having a positive mindset and being able to clearly visualize success are great tools, you can also go too far with it. Things can quickly take a sharp left turn from “manifesting your dreams” to “manifesting a total disaster” if you’re not careful and realistic with your ideation.
You’re sitting in your cozy little corner, candles lit, affirmations ready to go, envisioning your new life as a millionaire, or maybe a best-selling author, or, heck, even the next top influencer in your niche on Instagram. You’re so deep into your visualization that you can practically taste the success.
But then, reality throws a curveball. Maybe your big investment tanks, your manuscript gets rejected, or you pull a muscle trying to do that one yoga pose that only Instagram models seem to nail.
Sometimes, when you’re laser-focused on one specific outcome, the universe has a little chuckle and says, “Oh, you wanted success? Well, how about a nice slice of humble pie instead?” The problem isn’t with visualizing success; it’s with expecting the universe to deliver it on a silver platter just because you dreamed it up in your head.
We all know the saying, “Be careful what you wish for.” Commonly, in our fervent attempt to visualize every detail of our “perfect” future, we forget to leave room for life’s little detours. Remember, the road to success is often paved with potholes, not gold.
So, while it’s all well and good to see yourself on the winner’s podium, don’t forget to visualize the countless times you’ll fall flat on your face getting there, too. Otherwise, you might just manifest yourself right into a nice little disaster. Trust me, the universe will be more than happy to oblige to this end.
Yes, you should always try to visualize success. But, don’t forget add a little asterisk in your mind that reads: *Subject to change. Side effects may include failure, frustration, and an overwhelming urge to throw in the towel.* Being real here, sometimes the best-laid plans turn into the best-told cautionary tales.
So, what’s your reality going to be? Will it be the twisted reflection of a mind trapped in fear and doubt? Or will it become a bold vision of success, molded by a frame of reference that you’ve consciously crafted? The choice is yours. Choose wisely. Whatever you do, don’t say I didn’t warn you about the road ahead.
~ Amelia Desertsong
