The conceptual reality in-forms physical reality. For example, a house is built according to its plan, or an organism develops according to its DNA.
If the conceptual reality is faulty, it will create according problems in physical reality. For example, a calculation error in the plan could result in the collapse of the house. Likewise, a genetic error could manifest as disease in the organism.
The physical reality of a system is not necessarily an exact blueprint of its conceptual reality because of the co-producing influences of the outer and inner environment and the free will of the system itself. For example, even if there is a genetic predisposition to a disease, it does not necessarily emerge because of the person’s healthy environment and lifestyle.
The physical reality also in-forms (i.e. changes) conceptual reality. For example, with every action, the values and beliefs of a person or organisation get reinforced or changed.
This mutual in-formation can be prescriptive and specific. For example, the plan of building a house within five months is a specific measurable outcome in physical reality. The measurement of the actual outcome feeds back into conceptual reality to inspire other in-formation (e.g. celebration or rescheduling). It can also involve resonance through meaning between sections of conceptual and physical reality. For example, a mental attitude of kindness will give a different meaning to a social interaction than hostility. The resulting interaction is likely to reinforce the attitude.
A significant gap between the conceptual and physical realities of a system indicates a problem. It can be (dis)solved by changing either reality.
Conceptual reality can be changed on the instant, by changing one’s mind. This requires creativity but little material resources. To implement an idea in physical reality takes time and material resources. If a change in conceptual reality changes physical reality instantly, we speak of a miracle.
relevance
As you think, so you become. Believe and it shall be.
relevance for the change manager
Performance management links the conceptual with the physical reality through the plan – implement – evaluate and replan or maintain cycle.
what is the relevance of this concept for you?
