When I was in junior high school, my parents used to direct church productions. I remember sitting behind this massive spotlight doing what I could to follow-spot the soloist as they performed.

If I was lucky enough, the script would call for the use of gel filters to soften the target(s) with color. If done right, my efforts would alter the audiences perspective and emotions. Personal filters have the same impact. The moment you “put them on” your perspective and emotions can instantly change.

• If your boss constantly speaks down at you, the next time he offers a word of praise, at best, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Most likely, you’ll question his sincerity.
• If you’re a know-it-all, people will stop listening to you because they don’t trust what you have to say; you never listen and it’s apparently, all about you.
• If you’re a perfectionist, you’ll always feel like a failure because you can’t define, therefore obtain, perfection. Others will think that you’re personal expectations are too high and that you’ll never be happy until you lower your expectations.
• If you grew up with every want satisfied, chances are you think that life is easy and plentiful. Others will think you’re spoiled and ungrateful.
• If you’re constantly feeling behind on your to-do list, then you’ll feel the anxiety of perceived under performance, fear of failure and disappointing others.

The list can go on and on, but the point is, filters are perceptions based on past experiences. They don’t just affect how you view people and situations, they also affect how others view you.

What personal filters do you regularly see though?