I find the concept of truth fascinating. Just like one person’s act of terror is another person’s freedom fight, one person’s truth is another person’s fantasy. Rumours are sometimes said with such conviction or spread so far that they become a “truth” no matter what the reality is. Without getting too political, the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq is a classic example of a truth that was fantasy.
One of the things that this article will explore is to take this concept of truth back to the individual level and investigate if what we believe is true impacts the way that we behave. As an example, I believed that it was safe to strap myself to a guy with a nick name of Animal and an odour of Bundaberg rum and jump out of a plane. Many wouldn’t believe that this was the safe thing to do and so they would not jump out of a plane with Animal. My version of the truth resulted in many behaving in a way that a lot of other people wouldn’t as they had a different version of truth.
Another example of this happened last month at the Australian Women’s golf open. I heard a radio journalist report that Karrie Webb stated at the end of the third round that she would win the open because she was the only one in the competition with so much experience in winning major events. Is this statement true? Part of the statement could be proven as fact or not by comparing Karrie’s record in winning major events to the other players. I have no doubt that she would have won more major events than any other player in the competition but it does not make her statement that she would win this tournament true.
The important thing about Karrie’s statement was whether she and her opponents believed it was true. She went on to win the event in a play off. Her playing partner fell dramatically down the leader board. The other player in the play off was the only other player in the field in the top 10 women golfers in the world. Did Karrie believe it was true and give her the confidence and poise to play a fantastic last round of golf? Did it help her cope with the pressure of a play off? Did most of her opponents believe Karrie’s statement was true and so in their mind resigned themselves to not winning and begin to play like non winners?
How can we use this version of truth in our own life? Try the following.
When you hear these thoughts going on in your mind:
I’m not good enough to do that That person would do a better job than me I have not got time for that I have not got the skills to do that Change the version of your truth to:
I can do that I will make time for the important things in my life I have the skills or I can develop them to do anything that I am passionate about See if it changes your behaviour.
Also try another couple of experiments.
When you find yourself saying “I can’t do that” add the word “yet” to the end of your statement. (thanks to Sharon Hannan the coach of the premier female sprinter and hurdler in Australia, Sally McLellan).
The final experiment can be done when you about to embark on something that is going to be stressful or difficult like a meeting, a job interview, a sales pitch, a presentation or an exam. Control what your mind accepts as the truth. Tell your mind that this is going to be a sensational experience or a fantastic opportunity and see if this changes the way that you behave in the stressful or difficult situation.
The truth is out there! How to take advantage of it - To learn more about this author, visit Gerry Maguire's Website.
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