You get to decide what things mean. No one else.

Even if something has a meaning that everyone seems to agree on, you can just make it mean something else.

  • I’m going to the cinema which means I buy popcorn.
  • I’m attending a party which means I have a drink.
  • I’m seeing that family member which means we’ll argue.

Each of these could mean something else. You simply strike through and rewrite.

Then there are the classic entrepreneur meanings we derive:

  • There are loads of people doing my business idea which means I should give up.
  • It’s expensive which means I’m being ripped off.
  • A client cancelled which means everything is terrible.
  • Someone told me it’s going to be difficult which means I should get a job.
  • Someone I trust gave me some advice which means I should take it.

Which could simply become:

  • There are loads of people doing my business idea which means more people than just me think there’s a viable market for my product.
  • Someone told me it’s going to be difficult which means most people will give up, but not me.
  • It’s expensive which means it might last longer or have some other benefit that I value.
  • A client cancelled which means I can make improvements and find clients who I can add more value to.
  • Someone I trust gave me some advice which means I should let them know I’m grateful but still apply filters before proceeding.

Every time we hear information or an opinion, it comes with an implied meaning. But that meaning is optional, because only we get to decide our truth.

Your interpretation of what things mean, multiple times per day, has huge implications for happiness, success, decision making and your overall trajectory.

What are you unconsciously believing things to mean, and what could they mean instead?