Choose Your Lens to Rewrite Reality

Every day, we walk around with invisible spectacles that shape how we interpret life’s events. Psychologists call these “perceptual lenses”—deeply held beliefs and assumptions that filter reality for us. Imagine two people watching the same rainfall: one sees a nuisance that ruins plans; the other sees nourishment for the plants and a chance to cozy up indoors. Both interpretations arise from the lenses they habitually wear.

Each lens is formed over years of experience, yet we rarely pause to question them. That’s a problem, because a narrow, worn-in lens limits our options. We grow accustomed to seeing only what our default assumptions allow. But here’s the good news: we can actually swap in new lenses. Like swapping out a dim light bulb for a brighter one, choosing a helpful lens opens up new possibilities where we once felt stuck.

Let’s say you feel overwhelmed by a sudden budget cut. Your default lens might be “We’re doomed.” By spotting that lens first, you can pause, imagine two fresh lenses—perhaps “This is chance to innovate” or “We’ll do more with less”—and briefly try them on. Suddenly, your tunnel vision lifts and you see creative ways to reallocate resources. Over time, practicing this “lens switch” rewires your brain to default to more expansive perspectives, and your world grows accordingly.

Next time you’re stuck, spot your current belief—your lens—by asking yourself, “What assumption is running this show?” Write down two very different angles to view the same problem, no matter how strange they seem. Then, spend five quiet minutes fully imagining each new lens in action. Notice how your thoughts and energy change. These mental experiments strengthen new pathways, letting you pivot fluidly whenever your old lens dims your vision.