You never really know the unspoken context of people’s financial situations as they share things online. When strangers post about their impressive MRR, recently purchased investment property, or lavish lifestyle paid for by a successful course, any of these situations might also be true:

• Spouse makes bank / is unemployed
• Has any number of kids
• 20 years of experience
• $100k+ of debt
• Inherited wealth
• Works 3 side jobs
• Hates / loves their work

Hits a bit differently if you know the context, right?

But that gets straight to the heart of the matter: Why do we allow external signals (artificial or otherwise) to so easily sway the way we view things? We’re often captive to perception, so much so that we hardly even consider the underlying truth that might contradict the signals entirely. Here are two very simple but powerful things we can do to deny perception of this power over us and process things more clearly:

1. Consume content rationally. Assess your own situation, apply the advice you think is good, and ignore what doesn't apply. Don’t let nonsense infiltrate your emotions, mental state, or vision for even a second.

2. Assume nothing. You know 1% of someone via the things they share online. You don't know them! Choose kindness over correctness, and either assume the best or don’t assume anything at all.