I worked with someone who used to repeat the cliché, "Perception is reality." I don’t doubt the limited veracity of that statement; that is, for some people, their perception is the only reality. When you’re dealing with other people, it’s certainly worth knowing this truism.
But it’s only half of the story. There is, on the one side, the invocation that all sentient people are called to: bettering yourself. Evolving. And understanding that your perception is not, in fact, reality, but as noted in this video, unique to you. And while it’s debatable what the definition of the truth is, it is certainly not unique to you.
The other side is the persuasion angle, the sales tactic: advantaging your influence by understanding the other person’s perception. This is the crucial difference between perception and perspective.
It is certainly possible to shift a persons’ perspective on an issue. In order to do so, it’s important to understand why they feel the way they do. What are the perceptions and beliefs that are giving them a particular perspective? Once those perceptions are clear you can begin to change their perspective. Heed my warning when I say that people hold onto their beliefs and perceptions tightly so be careful in how you approach them. 1
There’s no doubt the world would be a better place if we all could move off of perception and move into perspective. But you can’t control other people. You can, though, do this for yourself.