We all have parts of ourselves that we’d rather not face – those uncomfortable truths, insecurities, and flaws that make us feel vulnerable. Often, the mind protects us from these painful realizations through a defense mechanism called projection.
Projection is attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or impulses onto another person. Instead of admitting we harbor bitterness, jealousy, or other toxic traits, it’s much easier to see them in others and condemn those qualities in them. As the saying goes, we see in others what we can’t accept in ourselves.
Projection allows us to shift blame and responsibility onto someone else, offering a convenient scapegoat to avoid doing our own soul-searching. We tell ourselves “I’m not insecure, you’re insecure!” or “I don’t have anger issues, you’re the one with anger issues!” By accusing others of our own shortcomings, we temporarily relieve ourselves of any personal guilt or shame.
Of course, constantly projecting leads to fragmented relationships and a distorted view of reality. Here are some common examples of projection we may engage in without realizing it:
- Accusing your significant other of cheating or flirting, when you are the one having an affair.
- Judging people as arrogant or stuck-up, when you struggle with deep-seated feelings of inferiority.
- Labeling someone as rude or selfish, when you have not dealt with your own self-centered tendencies.
The keys to overcoming excessive projection are self-awareness, honesty, and taking responsibility for your own emotions. Catch yourself when making unfair assumptions about others. Look within, get support if needed, and have the courage to face your inner shadows, rather than denying them and projecting them outward. This kind of personal growth requires compassion, patience and a willingness to admit mistakes and mature emotionally.
Though an easy trap to fall into, projection distorts how we perceive others and poisons our interactions. The truth is always within. By reflecting inward instead of projecting outward, we honor both ourselves and those around us.
Theodore Lee is the editor of Caveman Circus. He strives for self-improvement in all areas of his life, except his candy consumption, where he remains a champion gummy worm enthusiast. When not writing about mindfulness or living in integrity, you can find him hiding giant bags of sour patch kids under the bed.