Personal, or subjective views are formed by an individuals experiences and interactions with their material world. Each of us have a set of subjective views whether we like to admit it or not. The opposite of subjective, is objective. Objective being demonstrable, provable and true for everyone. This includes the objective truth that we all need oxygen to stay alive.
When we begin to realize that everyone has slightly skewed subjective views, we can then learn to behave accordingly when we are met with them. An example of when we might need to use this, is in the moment, perhaps in a personal, or business situation. Let`s be an interior designer for just a moment, we have a client who really likes some funky designs. Our job as the designer is to create a space they would like, our subjective views would be put aside, and we would recognize and nourish the clients own, subjective views. We would not confront the client on their "Funky Designs" knowing they are personal and their own.
The same can be said in many of life`s situations, we may have differing views on everything from politics, to religions, all the way down to spreads on morning toast. Recognizing someone`s own subjective views can give you an edge in a debate, it can win you a sale, and it can help maintain healthy friendships and relationships. A Darwinian debating a fundamentalist christian will be met with dozens of contradictory subjective beliefs. The idea is to maintain an understanding of the objective facts, while sorting through and keeping a level head. Overall, knowing that we are all subject, to our own subjective ideas. We must then recognize and admit when we have crossed the line of conjecture, and return back to the objective side of things.
You may be asking, what does this do for me today? Well, we all suffer from unhealthy relationships, workplaces, or overall from within, at some point. Recognizing the behaviors of others, helps us to recognize, and rethink our own subjective thoughts and behaviors. We can create a healthy environment, not only for ourselves, but others around us by simply taking the time to listen, and react accordingly. We must know when the individual is coming from a personal, subjective place, and when they are coming from an objective one.
In conclusion, we want you to feel comfortable speaking about things you know, and not worrying about those you don't. If presented with an argument, or debate. Go to the objective facts, and leave your subjective thoughts inside, they are only there to confuse the situation. Your subjective side is full of emotion, culture, your direct upbringing and other subconsciously embedded ideas. Realizing others battle with this exact thing, is what gives you the edge over the interaction. Thus, making you more confident and able to control the situation.
Interactions are two sided, but we always control at least one! Beyond ourselves, we have none. We hope this bit of information helps who ever may need it in the moment today. We added a video below entitled "I Do Not Know"... it is okay to not know. It just means we get to learn something new!
Stefanie Boucher & Jarrod Gaucher
Power Positive Team