In my work with clients, the issue of perspectives comes up quite often. Usually, I have to give my clients a quick refresher on what it is, and why it is pertinent to our discussion. Being good at choosing perspectives is so helpful that I thought it worthy of an article.
What is a perspective?
The definition of perspective that fits best for my discussion is "a specific point of view in understanding or judging things or events." Perspectives are not facts. They can be completely true or completely false. But they have huge influence over our lives.
To illustrate what I mean, one of my colleagues once had to address a problem with his work group where two individuals had completely different perspectives on each other, and were both rigid in their positions. To illustrate the point that there are more than one way to look at something, my colleague had these two individual sit facing each other, then showed them a rubber ball and asked what color it was. One person answered "red" and the other "black".
As it turned out, both of them were correct because the ball was half black and half red. From their respective perspectives, they were both right. But from the other's perspective, they were both wrong.
What I am trying to convey is that there are often many, many different ways to look at a situation, and we can consciously choose what perspective we hold. We can take that ball and choose the perspective that it is red, or it is black, or that it is half red and half black.
Why is that important?
Our perspectives have great influence over us because it impacts how we feel, how we think, and how we act. In other words, perspectives can run our lives.
Here's another story from ancient times:
A man walked into a quarry and ran across a worker. He asked him, "What are you doing?" The worker replied, "I am cutting stone." The man walked on a while longer and ran across another worker, and asked him, "What are you doing?" The worker said, "I am building a cathedral!"
How's that for different perspectives? Both men were doing the same work. Which one do you think was more inspired to go to work everyday?
So, when you are faced with a challenging task, do you want to think of it as cutting stone or building a cathedral? Which perspective will motivate you, or empower you, or get you excited? What kind of effect on the work product do you think these different perspectives will have?
What can I do?
So, here's my advice on using perspectives to your advantage. When you are in a funk, or you feel overwhelmed, or frustrated about something, here's what you do.
1. Notice and tell yourself that you are in one particular perspective. Figure out what it is. Is it the "I am in over my head and can never get this right!" perspective? Decide if this current perspective is helpful or not. If not?
2. Think of a different perspective you can have about the situation. How about the "Big projects are made up of little parts, so I can tackle one part at a time, and before I know it, I'm done" perspective?
3. Think about how you feel about the situation from this new perspective. Does it put you in a good frame of mind?
4. If this one doesn't do it for you, try another one, and another one, and another one until you land on one that works.
5. Once you've found the perspective that you like, choose it and stay with it until you feel the need to change.
From this new powerful perspective, you can go out and build your cathedral. You just have to choose it.
"The circumstances of the event will be essentially the same no matter what perspective you are in, AND your way of looking at the situation has enormous impact."
So, set yourself up for success by being aware of what your perspective is and if it isn't useful to you, choose one that is more helpful. Because the better your perspective, chances are, the better the outcome will be.
? 2004 Inez O. Ng
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Do you need some structure and accountability to propel you forward? Personal Coach Inez Ng has worked with professionals and entrepreneurs to transform their aspirations into reality. While focusing on specific areas, her coaching positively impacts all areas of her clients' lives. Learn more about coaching with Inez at http://www.realizationsunltd.com
Oswego taxi to Midway .."Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.... Read More
Identity theft!We've all seen them. The commercials use the voices... Read More
Are you consistently chasing success? Once you achieve it, do... Read More
In my audio program Book Yourself Solid, The 7 Keys... Read More
Recently I stumbled across a list of Microsoft Interview questions... Read More
The secrets of our body language have been around forever... Read More
How do you land your dream job, win... Read More
If we are involved in a project, how hard should... Read More
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key... Read More
Whenever I ask people this question, "what do you really... Read More
The Outlaw Josey Wales is an interesting Western that I... Read More
Jim Rohn, noted leader and speaker in the personal development... Read More
I am sure that you're familiar with the old formula... Read More
Creating a goal tracking chart is as simple as drawing... Read More
Success can easily be compared to the "genie trapped in... Read More
Our thought are magnetic ! Like a magnet we attract... Read More
Pops first set the goal in high school, but when... Read More
I succeeded. I achieved my goal. I am successful. I... Read More
What if I told you that you could be more... Read More
You must play by the rules. Everything has rules. You... Read More
Have you ever noticed when playing a video game, or... Read More
The best and fastest way to learn how to make... Read More
Everybody suffers rejection at some time or another in their... Read More
Any person who goes through life without experiencing failure is... Read More
Understand and apply this one secret to your own life,... Read More
shuttle from Midway Morris ..A couple days ago I was listening to a CD... Read More
What with the millions of words printed every day about... Read More
As very few people achieve enlightenment in one lifetime, as... Read More
Five-time gold medal-winning figure skater, Jenny Kilmer, has won the... Read More
If you look back to the 70s and 80s, many... Read More
From time to time I receive correspondence from individuals with... Read More
Recently I stumbled across a list of Microsoft Interview questions... Read More
Create an environment that is so inspiring and nurturing that... Read More
Walt Disney coined a special phrase for persistence and determination;... Read More
You have probably heard the term "IQ" many times, and... Read More
Q: Are you a success?A: Its all in how you... Read More
Persistence is the foundation of success. Although there are many... Read More
Let's set the scene. You're in a packed stadium. It's... Read More
Thomas Edison wrote his quote " I have not failed,... Read More
If we are involved in a project, how hard should... Read More
What if I told you that you could be more... Read More
The Winner's Walk is a key strategy in the sport... Read More
Do you feel you lead a healthy and happy life?... Read More
What do you need to do to be successful? If... Read More
Bill is a man for the people, of the people... Read More
I used to see a chiropractor who handed out a... Read More
I've long been a student of those who have achieved... Read More
Sit up straight! You may recall hearing those words as... Read More
I once heard a speaker use the statement, "I have... Read More
On a raw, cold day in the European Alps, Lance... Read More
Success |