Hello, I am the psychoanalyst João Barros, and today we will talk about a very interesting and common theme in our lives: the projection. Have you already caught yourself by accusing someone of something that was actually feeling or doing yourself? It’s as if we were using a lens to look at others, but we forget to check if the problem is not within ourselves.
What is projection?
Projection is a psychological defense mechanism that allows us to attribute to others our own feelings, thoughts or behaviors. It is as if we were projecting an image on one screen, but the image is not from the other, but our own.
This is because our brain has difficulty dealing with negative emotions or internal conflicts. So instead of facing these feelings, we attribute them to someone else, often without realizing it.
Examples of projection in everyday
Let’s consider some examples to better understand how the projection works. Imagine that you are at a work meeting and someone makes a comment about your project. You feel offended and accuse the person to be jealous of your success.
However, if we stop to think, perhaps what is really happening is that you are insecure about your own work and are projecting this insecurity in the other person. It is as if we are using a mirror to reflect our own emotions.
Another common example is when we accuse someone of being selfish, but we are actually acting selfishly. It is important to remember that projection is not only about attributing negative feelings, but it can also be about positive characteristics.
Why do we do this?
Now that we better understand what projection is and how it manifests itself in our lives, let’s explore why we do it. One of the main reasons is to avoid feelings of guilt or anxiety.
When we attribute our own feelings or behaviors to someone else, we are temporarily free from these negative feelings. However, this freedom is illusory, because the problem is still there, just masked.
Another reason we do this is to maintain a positive image of ourselves. If we recognize that we have negative characteristics or feelings, we can feel threatened or insecure.
How to overcome the projection?
Now that we understand why we do this, let’s talk about how to overcome the projection. The first step is to recognize when we are projecting. This requires self -knowledge and honesty with ourselves.
When we catch ourselves by giving feelings or behaviors to someone else, we should stop and reflect whether these feelings are not our own. It is important to create a space for introspection and self -equation.
In addition, it is essential to develop empathy and understanding by others. When we put ourselves in someone else and try to understand their perspectives, it becomes more difficult to attribute our own feelings to them.
Finally, it is essential to work on our self -esteem and internal security. The more comfortable we are with ourselves, the less we need to project our feelings in others.
Conclusion
In short, projection is a common defense mechanism that allows us to attribute to others our own feelings and behaviors. However, it is important to recognize when we are doing this and work to overcome this trend.
By better understanding ourselves and developing empathy for others, we can create healthier and more authentic relationships. Remember that personal growth is a continuous process, and being aware of projection is the first step for a journey of self-knowledge and transformation.
