Sometimes we see the world not as it is, but as we want it to be — and this is not just an illusion. Projections are one of the most common and insidious psychological mechanisms that influence our relationships, our perception of the world, and our decision-making. We will discuss this in more detail in this article.
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What are projections?
Projections are unconscious psychological defense mechanisms when we attribute our own feelings, thoughts, desires, or qualities to other people. Instead of recognizing our own emotions and needs, we project them onto others, distorting our perception of reality and preventing ourselves from building healthy relationships. Creating projections involves unconsciously shifting responsibility for your inner feelings to others.
How do projections appear?
Projections can appear in different ways, depending on what kind of internal conflicts we are trying to avoid. Here are a few examples:
No.1. Projecting negative qualities
If a person experiences internal aggression, he can blame others for it, considering them angry. He sees things in others that he doesn't want to see in himself.
#2. Projecting desires
For example, a person who secretly dreams of wealth and luxury may constantly see signs of greed and mercantilism in others. Thus, he projects his own desire onto others.
#3. Projecting fears
A person, afraid of their own insecurity, may accuse others of being incompetent or stupid in order to feel smarter and more confident.
#4. Projecting idealization
A person can also idealize another person, attributing to them qualities that they would like to possess, ignoring their real shortcomings.
Why do we need projections?
Projections are a defense mechanism that helps you cope with unpleasant emotions and thoughts. They help you avoid facing your own shortcomings, fears and insecurities. However, in the long run, all this has devastating consequences, as it prevents us from developing and distorts reality.
How to live without projections?
It is completely impossible to get rid of projections; this is a natural human mechanism. However, it is possible to learn to recognize and minimize their impact. Here are a few key points:
No.1. Self-awareness
The key to reducing projections is to increase self-awareness. Ask yourself questions like, “How am I really feeling?” , “What are my needs underpinning this response?” , “Don't I attribute my qualities to another person?”.
#2. Emotional literacy
By developing emotional literacy, we learn to recognize and understand emotions. This helps us understand what is really going on inside us and not project our feelings onto others.
#3. Accepting yourself
Accept your weaknesses and weaknesses. Don't try to hide them by projecting them onto others. Self-acceptance is the basis for a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
#4. Empathy
Try to understand other people's feelings and experiences without imposing your expectations on them. This will help you see them as they are, not as you want them to be.
#5. Working with a psychologist
A psychologist will help you understand your internal conflicts and learn how to deal with them in healthy ways.
Living without projections doesn't mean being perfect; it means being more aware of your relationships with yourself and others. This is the path to greater honesty, deeper and more meaningful connections, and, ultimately, greater inner freedom.
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