Perception is a construct of causes and effects. Throughout time, technology has evolved from carving into walls during the Prehistoric age, to using the first typewriter, to the discovery of the simple everyday object that we use today known as the clock, to what we know as the modern number one source of information for entertainment – social media. But how has all of this affected our everyday mindset in our everyday society?

Well let’s go back in time. We know that our thoughts can be based on what we believe, what we see, and how others may view us, but it’s the mindset that contributes to this. Possessing a positive or negative mindset contributes the most to how you view the world. Overall, 90% of what you experience is how you perceive it and 10% is what actually occurs. For the past three years or so, I’ve been fascinated by world history and the human mind. I’m always trying to find new ways to improve, but never putting anything into action. I have the desire to conquer my fears, but still find myself somewhere in the process. While this goal might be one that could take months or even years to conquer, I still want to achieve it, because while we’re relaxing, the world is still moving along without us. While I might be young, I still have a lot to say and do on my home planet, the Earth. So I want to take this opportunity to learn more about the environment around us and the mind, but also how to develop your better self.

Yes, having a positive or negative mindset might affect the way you act and the way you see things, but like everything else, the mindset you have has to be affected by the environment you surround yourself with. Take social media, for example. While this news might be shocking, social media was not originally designed for framing your everyday life. Instead, it was created to connect with other people. It was used to help other college students that might be struggling with concepts that their peers might be struggling with as well. While technology has made it easier to connect with our peers, it has also affected our attention span, the way people think, and even the way that we sleep. As a society, we’ve created stereotypes normalizing certain styles, body types, and much more. What is said to be the “new normal” might affect the way we see ourselves, giving ourselves unbelievable standards and creating a negative environment for ourselves.

In this intense world that we live in today, it’s helpful to remember to stay true to ourselves, maintain a positive mindset, surround ourselves with what we love, and be reminded that so much of life is simply how we perceive it.