.
The Property Pack

Turn bias into enlightenment

  • Written by Eric North aka “The Happiness Warrior”

There’s a point most of our lives when our greatest fears and unexpected calamities burst into our lives and cause us to feel shocked and surprised. What we do next tells us more about us than we’ve ever imagined. It’s in these life-changing moments when we’re confronted with our biases and assumptions.

Things that we most feared that will never happen and the feelings of hopelessness and inertia when the inevitable wheel of time brings us new obstacles and constant change. How we understand our powers and strengths is the way to move forward. Secure in the knowledge that we can only do our best and move forward with momentum and dignity. Knowing that doing less than expected will only cause us to fall back and feel forgotten. The truths are always there waiting for us to open our minds to their signals and messages. It’s how we decide to see the world and what we refuse to accept. A cacophony of voices and opinions lurking in the background trying to influence our decisions and outcomes.

Bias comes in many forms and much of it is unnecessarily self-directed. It causes us to allow others to think and act for us. It can cause us to narrow our opportunities and perspectives. It’s always present and most harmful when we refuse to see and accept it. Causing so much of our potential and happiness to be exhausted before we even begin our journey. The story of our lives that suffers in its need for validation and approval from others.

The solution is to give ourselves permission to alter our perspective and increase self-awareness. A self-determination that being happy is a natural state of being. A belief that we are all the same no matter who we are. Knowing that when it comes down it that we are all related. It’s up to us to create a new paradigm and way of living where biases are reconciled and best forgotten. A way to reunite and heal the wounds that our biases have created.

As The Happiness Warrior, I believe that happiness is a human right and that all of us deserve to be counted and respected. No exceptions and always moving forward. A collective mindset that grows and expands our consciousness. A happier state of mind where we are more forgiving and open minded. Slowly shedding the negative thoughts and emotions that have trapped us for too long.

BIAS IS ENTIRELY SELF-CREATED

When I was growing up in the South many decades ago bias and discrimination were engrained in the culture of the people around me. From an early age, I knew that the hateful words that I heard in the adults in my life say quite openly was wrong and evil. I wanted to belong and fit in, but I was always on the outside looking at the scene with anger and disappointment in the people that I was supposed to respect and love. As I grew older my feelings intensified and I grew increasingly defensive and unhappy. I knew there was a better world of my choosing on the horizon, but the damage was done and at times I was reckless and self-destructive. I couldn’t wait to go out in the world and find my way forward. Change would be my language.

As I look back now, I’m proud of myself for not giving in and allowing myself to conform and be silenced. It was lonely and introspective at times, but I grew happier and realized that I deserved to be authentic and true to myself. This caused my spirit to grow. My connection with the universe intensified and guided my actions. I created a family of friends of my choosing. People with similar mindsets and open perspectives. Never allowing words like judgment and shame to be part of my vocabulary. Always learning and understanding the falsity of making assumptions.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE BIAS

1.       Stop overthinking in its tracks and learn to be more compassionate and loving with ourselves. Too often we become hyper focused on minor gaffs and misunderstandings while the other party has long forgotten or excused our behavior. This causes us to shrink back, decrease opportunities, and lower our self-esteem. These self-created biases can be very deep and alter the magnitude and scope of our lives. The key to understanding this and moving into a healthier mindset is to challenge assumptions and search for counter arguments. Most often have created a paradigm that is far from reality.

2.       Stop thinking that the first impression or minor mistake we make sets the tone forever. It’s irrational and puts us in a negative mindset. We are human and we learn from our errors. The best way to reshape this way of thinking is to think of something that we’ve done that had positive results and build from there. There’s no going back on something that’s already happened. All mistakes are lessons to help us grow and thrive. Nothing is ever accomplished if we allow our biases to rule and our ability to think freely go untended.

3.       Biases can create a need to stay in a safe place and shrink from opportunities and new beginnings. This creates a fear-based mindset and makes us more vulnerable to change and our ability to adapt to new situations. We can solve this by taking calculated risks that help us understand that we’re more capable than we allowed ourselves to believe. It’s eye opening!

4.       Too often we struggle to justify our choices and feel trapped by feelings of regret. We forget that regret can be a lesson that makes us grow and feel more motivated. It can be a tool rather than a hurtful memory. The choice is ours to remove old biases and self-defeating emotions. One of my favorite questions is to ask myself how I would do it better next time and take action to make it happen.

5.       In our consumer and capitalistic driven society, we see too many examples of people who determine their self-worth in the value of their possessions. More is never enough, and newfound wealth and riches are portrayed in social media and visual presentations. These gross displays of insecurity are always accompanied by unhappiness and a desperate need for external validation.

Detachment is the way to greater happiness and self-discovery. We are born naked without possessions and our deaths will be the same. A strong belief that no one is better than anyone else is a life that’s more satisfying and fulfilling.

It’s undeniable that bias plays a role in all our lives in one time or another. Sometimes it’s constant and pervasive and for some of it’s a minor change in our perception and intention. Bias can be harmful and send us in the wrong direction. It’s never quite as real as we’ve imagined and often comes from the darkest places in our minds. It can cause illogical fears and harmful self-created emotions. It’s something we can identify and take steps to clear our deepest thoughts. It’s how we release ourselves from mental bonds of bias and create enlightenment and freedom of thought.

A sense of knowing that we understand ourselves and others better. A mindset for clarity and peace of mind in our thoughts and virtuous actions. A new path forward where unproductive thinking is conquered. Renewed alignment with our core values and the strength that they always provide.

The truth is that no one is perfect, but bias is something that only we can eliminate from our lives. It’s how much respect and love for ourselves when we quit trying to make a mess of our lives. 

Eric North

IG  @TheHappinessWarrior1
www.thehappinesswarrior1.com

ERIC NORTH - The Happiness Warrior

Intention is the destination

“Choose your intention carefully and then practice holding your consciousness to it, so it becomes the guiding light in your life.” — John Roger No matter how we choose our path or destination there’s nothing more important than understanding our ...

Turn bias into enlightenment

There’s a point most of our lives when our greatest fears and unexpected calamities burst into our lives and cause us to feel shocked and surprised. What we do next tells us more about us than we’ve ever imagined. It’s in these life-changing moment...

Optimism is happiness intensified

In a world that’s so fast moving and confusing, it’s not an uncommon thought to want to hide or give up. To surrender and take the path of least resistance. To give up on our dreams and let others control our thoughts and emotions. It’s the will of...

Five easy ways to gain emotional balance

As The Happiness Warrior, I believe that no matter what’s happening around us we have the power from within to control our thoughts and impulses. Life has a way of giving us challenges and how we carry on with grace and dignity is how we define our l...

The life changing habit of consistency

So many times, in life we get excited about something and feel an intense surge of passion. We want to make it part of our life and experience, but at some point it feels too hard, and we give up. So many can dream of being a rock star and buy a bass...

Five emotional blind spots holding us back

If I’ve learned anything in life is that no matter how hard we try to be vigilant and in control, the circumstances of our lives are often beyond our influence and ability to intervene. Some of us are ready for anything and always prepared for the ...

Ten ways to stop being so hard on ourselves

All too often most of the pain and suffering we feel is self-created. It’s all too common and easily overlooked in our fast paced and ever-changing environment. Everything we see is a mirror into how we view ourselves. Limited by a lack of focus an...

Hate is the ugliest four letter word

It can seem like everywhere we turn these days we see a world that’s consumed by hate and self-loathing. No one is immune. It’s impossibly unavoidable. Its only purpose is to create fear, division, shame, and destruction. It’s illogical and always ...

Words matter

When I was young I remember my grandfather’s ability to know the definition of any word that I could pick out of a dictionary. It didn’t matter how difficult it was to pronounce or rarity of it usage. At first I thought it was a trick, but no matter ...

Early to rise for happier lives

As The Happiness Warrior, I have had more than my share of relentlessly sleepless nights. As an entrepreneur my natural instinct is to take risks and accept challenges. There were days when I thought I couldn’t work any harder and I’d find myself o...

How to raise self-esteem right now

As The Happiness Warrior, my primary mission and purpose is to demonstrate the importance of happiness and how it impacts our sense of self-esteem. As humans we all have a right to be happy in our own lives and live in our truth. We can l...

How to set boundaries and live our best life

There’s no better feeling in life than when we can honestly say that in this moment, in the now, we feel content and fulfilled with our lives. It's a state of being where we’re in balance with our needs and desires. Where our purpose and core value...

How to make a better ripple

I’ve always believed that all humans are connected in the present, in the now, and all through the history of time. No matter where we find ourselves at this moment anywhere on earth, each action we take makes a difference in someone else’s life. Eve...

I am the answer

As The Happiness Warrior, I tend to gravitate towards people and places with a happier positive vibe. It’s often intentional and always purposeful. Happy people always welcome other happy people into their worlds and share their connection. They are ...

Stop the block

How many times in our lives have we felt stuck, blocked, and frustrated with our situations and ourselves? It’s a common feeling that all humans share at some time or another much to our regret and unhappiness. As The Happiness Warrior, I believe tha...

Unravelling loneliness

We all go through periods in our lives when we can feel unwanted, friendless, detached, and rejected. It might feel devastating and make us want to retreat and hide even further. If we’re lucky it can provide us a glimpse of self-awareness and hone...

Soul healing

I’ve always had a mindset for gathering facts, figures, and data. From the moment I could talk I only had questions. Reading came to me naturally, and I loved to learn the secrets of the world and the history of lives before us. Other kids often bore...

Empowerment for everyone

As The Happiness Warrior, I’ve always believed that all humans deserve to be happy, heard, and seen. It may seem impossible for some of us to feel this way and we might feel forsaken and shunned. Life is how we tell our story and not what others thin...

Metropolitan Business News

Australian-first product for businesses to earn returns on AUD and USD balances

Businesses can earn returns on their US-dollar balances without opening an overseas bank account with a new Australian-first account from global financial platform Airwallex.  Airwallex’s Yield a...

Maximizing Business Potential: The Philippines As A Leading Destination For Contact Centre Outsourcing

The outsourcing of contact centre requirements has become an integral part of business strategies aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing customer service, and driving growth. In the realm of out...

How can you mine and trade Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a virtual currency that acts as a form of payment and is not controlled by one person like fiat money. Hence it is not controlled by a third party in financial transactions. It is paid ...

Advanced Placement Strategies for Caution Wet Floor Signs in High-Traffic Areas

A caution wet floor sign is no ordinary warning device. It serves the vital purpose of notifying individuals about treacherous and slippery conditions in an area. Its presence acts as a proactive meas...

5 Futuristic Businesses of 2023: Exploring Latest Business Trends

In today’s world, success is not measured solely by profit margins but also by the positive impact made on the world. Now, we get to experience a world where the future meets the present and creat...

Data discovery: why your business needs it for compliance

Every company has to protect their information against unwanted breaches. But organisational information expands at a daily rate, and so it becomes even more important to track the data. Organisat...