Time to Change the Filter

A filter, simply put, is anything that changes what comes through the other side. We use filters in our water to remove impurities. We use a filter on a camera lens to control the way light appears.

We have filters imbedded in ourselves, too. You probably don’t realize you’ve got one. Maybe several. It may take an interaction with someone else to understand how you’re perceived. We ask for a second set of eyes to help edit a paper. We ask someone, “how does this look?” because not everyone uses the same filters.

Some of us say that we speak with no filters. For example, you may have said this after speaking to your in-laws in a tone of voice you now regret.

I recently heard of a story of a man who was laid off. Every conversation he held with someone after his layoff came across as very negative. He was very much upset with his ex-employer, as well as himself. He dismissed ideas, and ignored any creativity. His filter was his layoff. Everything came through as pessimistic.

What filters do you have?