By Penelope Pangalos
Reality. It’s like a sweater your grandmother knitted: full of love, a bit scratchy, and often a size too small. We like to think of reality as this rigid, unchangeable thing, but the truth is, it’s more like clay—malleable and shaped by our collective agreements. So, what happens when the reality you’re living in doesn’t quite fit? Maybe it’s time to grab some fresh clay and start molding. Let’s explore how our agreements shape what we perceive as real and how you can change reality to create a life that actually fits.
Imagine you’re at a formal dinner party. Everyone is using the right fork, speaking in hushed tones, and complimenting the host on their exquisite taste in curtains. This is reality – at least in this setting. Now, picture yourself at a backyard barbecue. People are laughing loudly, kids are running around, and someone’s definitely double-dipping in the guacamole. Different setting, different reality, right?
Daily life – manners, time, fashion, professional standards, and definitions of success – is constructed through societal consensus. What’s polite in one context might be rude in another. Time, though scientifically measured, is perceived differently across cultures, influencing everything from business hours to how late you can arrive at a party without being fashionably late.
Fashion is a whimsical beast. Today’s power suit is tomorrow’s thrift store find. Professional standards? They vary dramatically. What’s “business casual” in Silicon Valley might get you a few raised eyebrows on Wall Street. And success? Some see it as a corner office and a seven-figure salary; others, as the freedom to work from a beach in Bali.
But what happens when the agreed-upon reality feels more like a straitjacket than a comfy sweater? Imagine being a creative soul stuck in a corporate cubicle farm where “thinking outside the box” means choosing the blue tie over the red one. Or consider the innovative entrepreneur who finds the nine-to-five grind as stifling as a Monday morning without coffee. Reality, in these cases, is a barrier.
So, how do you change reality? It starts with recognizing that if reality is made up, you can unmake it and create something new.
Consider the rise of remote work. Pre-2020, the prevailing reality was that “serious” work happened in offices. Fast forward to today, and we’ve built a new reality where pajamas are the new power suit, and Zoom calls have replaced conference rooms. This shift wasn’t just about necessity; it was about reimagining what work could look like and building consensus around that vision.
Or take the concept of the gig economy. Traditional employment agreements didn’t suit everyone, so a new reality emerged where flexibility and autonomy became the norms. Platforms like Uber and Fiverr didn’t just offer new jobs; they created a new way to work, supported by a collective agreement that work doesn’t have to mean a 40-hour week.
Embracing the notion that reality is made up can be liberating. It empowers you to break free from constraints that no longer serve you, to challenge norms that stifle your creativity, and to pursue paths that resonate with your authentic self. Imagine a world where your unique vision is not just accepted but celebrated, where you can redefine success on your terms, and where your professional and personal life align seamlessly with your core values. It’s like finding out you can indeed have your cake and eat it too.
Changing reality begins with questioning the status quo and daring to envision something different. It’s about believing that you have the power to shape your environment and experiences. Start by identifying the areas of your life where the current agreements no longer serve you. Engage with like-minded individuals who share your vision and collaborate to redefine the norms.
In conclusion, reality is indeed made up, a function of the agreements we forge and uphold. By consciously shaping these agreements, we can create a reality that better serves our needs and aspirations. It’s an empowering notion that invites us to participate actively in the construction of our world, one agreement at a time. So, take a bold step, challenge the status quo, and build the reality you desire. The possibilities are endless when you dare to reimagine what reality can be.