The longer we view ourselves through a distorted lens, the more likely we are to believe a distorted truth. The longer we lie to ourselves, deceive ourselves, or remain in denial about the truth, the more likely we are to base our decisions and actions on this false belief system. Flattery Will Get You Somewhere If you’re like most people, when you read about self-deception, it’s easy to think of a few people who fall into that category, but chances are that in your mind, you are not one of them.