"People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for."

The heart of this quote is that our perceptions are shaped by our expectations. In simpler terms, people tend to find what they’re already looking for and hear what they’re prepared to hear. If you’re expecting negativity, you’ll likely find it. If you’re listening for praise, you’ll hear it. It’s all about your mindset and what you're tuned into.

This idea has been around for a long time. It reflects human nature and our cognitive biases. Historically, it’s something people have understood for centuries, even if they didn’t always put it into words. It’s the basis of many philosophies and psychological theories. If you expect the worst, you’ll see the worst. If you expect the best, you’ll find the best.

Let’s make it real with a vivid example. Think about two people attending the same concert. One person is a fan of the band, super excited about the performance. The other was dragged there by a friend and isn’t into the music at all. The fan hears every note as a masterpiece, while the other person might focus on the crowd's noise or how uncomfortable their seat is. Same concert, two entirely different experiences. They were each primed to notice different things.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? It’s about being mindful of your expectations. If you walk into a situation expecting it to be awful, you’re setting yourself up to find all the things that confirm your expectations. But if you go in with an open mind, looking for the good, you’re likely to have a much better experience. It’s not about being blindly optimistic—it’s about being aware of your mindset and how it shapes your perception.

Imagine you're starting a new job. You can go in thinking, "This is going to be terrible. I won’t like my coworkers. The work will be boring." Or you can think, "This is a new opportunity. I might meet interesting people. I could learn something new." Your attitude at the start will color your entire experience. If you’re looking for reasons to dislike it, you’ll find them. But if you’re open to the positives, you’ll see those, too.

Here's a relatable story. A friend of mine, Jane, was nervous about moving to a new city for her job. She’d heard mixed reviews about the place and was dreading the change. Every tiny inconvenience—traffic, the weather, the crowds—confirmed her fear that it was a terrible place to live. But then she met someone at work who loved the city. This person showed Jane all the great spots, shared tips for avoiding traffic, and introduced her to a fantastic social group. Jane’s perspective shifted. She started seeing the city through new eyes, finding things to love instead of things to hate.

So, let’s think about it. Next time you’re about to step into something new, check your mindset. Are you already looking for the negatives, or are you open to the positives? Your perspective can change everything. It’s like having a pair of glasses with lenses you can switch out. Choose the ones that let you see clearly and positively. Your experience will follow.