How to Train Your Brain to See New Opportunities

Have you ever wondered why some people see all the glasses half full while others see them half empty? Why do some see only threats and obstacles while others keep discovering new opportunities?

The answer is: WE TEND TO SEE WHAT WE ARE TRAINED TO SEE AND WHAT WE EXPECT TO SEE.

Imagine four friends visiting a country they have never been to before. One of them is a fashion designer, another one is a cook, the third one is an architect, while the last one is a policeman. They do all the ‘touristy’ stuff – visit top tourist attractions, go to local events and wander around. What do you think each of them will focus on? The same things or different things?

Our personality, background, experiences, relationships and interests – all of them – shape our perception. If you believe people are good by nature, you may enjoy meeting new people. But if you believe people are evil – you will avoid them. As long as you think everything is too difficult – you will focus on obstacles and risks and… guess what may happen.

That being said, I do not mean to say that you should ignore information that may help you plan in advance and mitigate risk. The more aware you are of what filters you have and how they distort your perception of yourself, others and the world in general, the more conscious decisions you can make. Appreciate what your filters give you, but also figure out what you may miss out on.

Would you like to see more? I have two exercises for you!

Intro: Ever heard of Peng and Hu, artists fascinated by ‘HIRAMEKI’ (‘brainwave’ or ‘flash of inspiration’ in Japanese)? Simply put, Hirameki is the art of transforming random blots into images, brought into existence by our mind and imagination.

Exercise 1: Look at some examples (pictures at the top of the article) and then look at the blots below.

What images does your mind come up with? Move from one blot to another blot. Follow your intuition, let images emerge.

Now, look at the blots again, trying to see something different. The blot that has just morphed in your mind into a dog, may now become a bird. A dwarf may turn into a sandcastle. No limits.

Exercises 2: Look for particular things. Can you find any blot that could change into a scary image? How about a joyful image? Take your time. Stretch your imagination. Train your mind.

Practice makes perfect. How would our life change if you could see more opportunities on a daily basis?