Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him.

-- Aldous Huxley

Whatever happens to us, we form our own perception. We may not always judge accurately, but we are always evaluating our life experiences. Our point of view gives meaning to our experiences and ultimately determines how these experiences shape us.

For example, consider how two different people respond after a setback in business. The first person thinks "I'm a failure" and must struggle to build back his self-esteem. The second person says, "Failing upon occasion is a risk of doing business. Besides, my success or failure doesn't determine my worth as a person." He copes with the loss and moves on.